The video of Thomas Tuchel shouting at Djed Spence during an England training session has taken social media by storm, but the Tottenham defender insists everything merely reflects the strict standards at the 2026 World Cup.
A moment during England’s training session ahead of the match against Ghana unexpectedly became a hot topic at the 2026 World Cup. In the video circulating on social media, coach Thomas Tuchel can be heard shouting loudly at Djed Spence: “Djed, Djed, Djed, wake up! Wake up!” when the defender belonging to Tottenham showed signs of hesitation in a passing drill.
The incident took place at England’s training facility in Kansas City, against the backdrop of the “Three Lions” preparing for their second group stage match against Ghana. Following the 4-2 victory over Croatia in the opening match, Tuchel and his players stand before a great opportunity to secure an early ticket to the next round. However, instead of allowing the team to relax, the German manager pushed the training intensity very high.
Notably, Spence did not view Tuchel’s shouting as a personal attack. When asked about the clip, the 25-year-old defender calmly replied: “I think it’s normal. He is a great manager and always wants the best from the players. He demands high standards. In this tournament, we have to be ready. Every training session needs to be of the highest quality, and that is what he demands.”
Spence also emphasized that Tuchel was not strict only with him. According to the Tottenham player, intense reminders are part of top-level football, especially at the World Cup, where just a single moment of losing focus could cost the whole team. He added that if the manager needs him to do anything, he will do it, because that is the responsibility of a player within a team.
Spence’s reaction somewhat shows that the atmosphere within the England squad is not tense at all, contrary to how social media interprets it. On the contrary, the defender had plenty of praise for Tuchel, describing him as very detailed, capable of building cohesion and creating a feeling of “a family” within the national team. For Spence, it is precisely that unity that serves as the foundation for England to dream of special things at this year’s tournament. Tuchel wants to create a “family” atmosphere in the England squad
From a tactical perspective, Tuchel’s intensity is also not difficult to understand. Despite beating Croatia, England still revealed problems in the first half: the formation dropped too deep at times, lost possession easily after regaining control, and lacked proactivity when escaping the press. Tuchel once admitted there were defensive situations that were “not us,” while demanding his players manage the ball better after winning it back.
