FIFA World Cup: Djed Spence backs Thomas Tuchel over shouting in training

KANSAS CITY: England defender Djed Spence on Monday defended Thomas Tuchel for shouting during the Three Lions' training session ahead of their second Group L match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Ghana, saying it was "normal".

A video of Tuchel shouting "Djed, Djed, Djed, wake up!" during a passing drill in England's training on Saturday went viral, drawing mixed reactions from the football fraternity, including criticism.

But the 25-year-old full-back, who made his FIFA World Cup debut as a substitute in England's dominant 4-2 victory over Croatia in their campaign opener on Wednesday, shared that he was unfazed by Tuchel's shouting and instead insisted that it reflected the standards expected within the camp rather than personal criticism.

"It's normal," Spence told TalkSPORT. "He's a great manager. He wants the best from his players. He demands high standards and for this tournament, we need to be ready, we need to be on it.

"Every session needs to be of the highest quality. That's what he demands. It's good. I wouldn't be the only one he says it to. It's part of the game."

Spence further hailed Tuchel as a "great manager" before crediting the German for fostering unity and brotherhood within the squad.

"I think he's a great manager, he's a great guy. Very detailed in what he wants to do. I've got great respect for him," Spence continued.

"It's like what he always says, we're building a family, we've built a brotherhood within the team, everyone has one dream, one brain."

For the unversed, England, seeking their first FIFA World Cup glory since 1966, are placed at the summit of the Group L standings of the ongoing 48-team tournament, closely followed by Ghana, whom they next face in Boston on Tuesday, while their final league-stage match is scheduled against Panama on June 27.