Thomas Tuchel has addressed the viral clip showing him shouting at Djed Spence during England's goalless draw with Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The England head coach was seen yelling at the left-back, who was making his first start of the tournament after a substitute appearance against Croatia.
Tuchel's Demands on the Pitch
During the match, Tuchel shouted at Spence: "Djed, Djed, Djed, give and go." This followed a training session in Kansas City where he yelled: "Djed, switch on." The Tottenham defender, 25, has been under scrutiny for his performances.
Tuchel explained his frustration: "Defensively, yes, but I wanted him to be more engaged in the attacking phase. To start our attacks a bit wider and have more runs through the last line, but overall it was his first start for England in a major tournament and I always put it into perspective."
No Hard Feelings
The German coach clarified the shouting was not personal. "I have to scream because nobody hears me otherwise," Tuchel said. "It's all good with Djed. We brought on Nico O'Reilly and it almost paid off with a header and a big chance for Harry Kane."
Spence, who joined Tottenham from Middlesbrough in 2022, has struggled for regular game time but has been given an opportunity by Tuchel in the World Cup 2026 campaign. The draw against Ghana leaves England needing a win in their final group match to secure progression.
