<p>England's players will be free to decide individually whether to participate in the customary pre-match handshake with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey when the two sides meet in a crucial FIFA World Cup Group L fixture on Tuesday.</p><p>According to reports in the United Kingdom, the English Football Association (FA) has chosen not to issue any formal guidance to players regarding interactions with Partey, opting instead to allow each player to make a personal decision.</p><p>The development follows growing attention surrounding the Ghanaian international, who is facing criminal charges in England but has consistently denied all allegations. Partey has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, he remains eligible to play and has been included in Ghana's World Cup squad.</p><p>England manager Thomas Tuchel is reported to have maintained his focus on football matters, with no formal discussions taking place within the England camp concerning Partey's legal situation. The FA is also understood to be keen on ensuring that attention remains on the match itself rather than off-field controversies.</p><p>The issue has attracted particular interest because several members of the England squad, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, were teammates of Partey during his time at Arsenal. Their potential interaction with the Ghanaian midfielder during the traditional pre-match greeting is expected to be closely watched.</p><p>Partey is anticipated to make his first appearance of the tournament after missing Ghana's 1-0 victory over Panama. The midfielder was unable to travel to Canada for the opening fixture after immigration authorities denied him entry, a decision that followed an unsuccessful appeal.</p><p>His expected return is viewed as a significant boost for Ghana as the Black Stars seek to build on their winning start against an England side that opened its campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.</p><p>The clash between Ghana and England is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage, with both teams looking to strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.</p>