Thomas Tuchel has denied picking on Djed Spence after the England manager was seen screaming at the Tottenham full-back during Tuesday's goalless draw against Ghana at the World Cup.
Tuchel's frustration on the touchline
The Three Lions boss was captured on camera urging Spence to 'wake up' during an open training session days before the match, and again appeared unhappy with the 25-year-old shortly before his substitution in the second half. Spence had made a positive impact off the bench against Croatia earlier in the tournament, earning his first start at a major tournament against the Black Stars. He delivered a satisfactory display before making way for Nico O'Reilly midway through the second half.
Explaining his exasperation, Tuchel said: 'I wanted him to be more engaged in the attacking phase. To start our attacks a bit wider and to have more runs through the last line. Overall, it was his first start for England in a major tournament and I always put it into perspective. I have to scream because nobody hears me otherwise. It's all good with Djed. We brought on O'Reilly and it almost paid off with a header and a big chance for Harry.'
Former players defend Tuchel's approach
Two high-profile examples of Tuchel barking instructions at Spence led to suggestions the defender is being singled out, but former England and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere dismissed the notion. The Luton Town boss told talkSPORT: 'I think it's quite normal. When we were growing up, we used to get screamed at, and we just took it. It's kind of now gone through that period of coaching where there's a little bit more of an arm round [a player]... I think it's very individual. You know the players that you can do that to; I think you know the players that don't need it and know when they're probably not doing what they should be doing.'
Wilshere added: 'I saw the clip from training as well when Tuchel was shouting, 'Wake up!' to Djed. I also saw Djed's comments and he's like, 'Yeah, it's normal; he's a top coach; he demands a lot'. I think he'll know the ones [he needs to remind]. You probably won't see him doing that to Harry Kane, because Harry Kane knows, and it's probably the same with Dec [Declan Rice]. But there are certain players that can switch off; they can lose focus a little bit. That's him trying to help Djed, so I don't see a problem with it.'
Impact on England's World Cup campaign
The 0-0 draw against Ghana left England needing results elsewhere to secure progress in the tournament. Spence's performance, while solid, did not produce the attacking spark Tuchel sought, leading to the substitution. The incident has dominated post-match discussion, but Tuchel insisted the relationship with his player remains strong.
