Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry has accused Thomas Tuchel of unfairly targeting Tottenham full-back Djed Spence during this summer's World Cup, suggesting the German manager would not behave similarly toward Trent Alexander-Arnold. Terry, capped 78 times for England, believes Tuchel may have selected Spence over Alexander-Arnold because he is an easier target for criticism.
Tuchel's Treatment of Spence Under Scrutiny
Throughout England's four games at the tournament, Tuchel has repeatedly berated Spence from the touchline, even in the two matches the 25-year-old started. Despite the entire back line appearing nervous at times, Tuchel has continually singled out Spence, often unjustly according to observers.
“I don’t know if you’ve seen the images and videos of him going mad at Spence again in the game [against DR Congo],” Terry said on Piers Morgan’s World Cup Uncensored show. “I’m not saying he’s picking him out - but he seems like he’s having a proper dig at him.”
Terry's Concerns Over Treatment of Lesser-Known Players
Terry expressed worry about Tuchel's handling of Spence and other less established squad members, insisting the German would not act similarly toward bigger names. “I’m a little bit worried,” Terry said. “If that’s Trent, I’m not sure he’s behaving like that. I’m not sure he’s talking to Trent like that.”
Terry theorised that Tuchel may have chosen certain players because he can exert more control over them. “And maybe that’s an [explanation] of why he’s picked a couple of these players,” he said, “because he can go like that to these younger players or these new players in the squad.”
Alexander-Arnold's Omission Raises Questions
Tuchel controversially omitted Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden from the World Cup squad on grounds of squad harmony. However, with injuries to Reece James and Tino Livramento, the decision to leave out the former Liverpool man increasingly appears to be an oversight. Alexander-Arnold, who moved to Real Madrid from Liverpool last summer, last played for England in June 2025 in a World Cup qualifier against Andorra. He has played just 26 minutes under Tuchel.
Spence, now with 10 caps, is starting at right-back for England at the World Cup, while Alexander-Arnold, a serial winner, watches from home. With England's right-back options dwindling, Tuchel may regret not including the 27-year-old.
