Djed Spence and Thomas Tuchel: Why Tough Love Works at the World Cup

What Happened in the Interview?

After England beat Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup last 16, Djed Spence spoke with ITV. He was asked if coach Thomas Tuchel is harder on him than anyone else in the team.

• Spence laughed and said: “Yes.”
• During the group stage, Tuchel shouted Spence’s name in a 0-0 draw with Ghana.
• In a 2-1 win over DR Congo, Tuchel loudly told him off for not throwing the ball forward quickly.
• So his “yes” was not a big surprise!

But then Spence said something more telling about their bond.

Why Does Tuchel Single Him Out?

When asked why the German coach keeps picking on him, the 25-year-old said:

• “He likes me, I guess.”
• “Perspectives. It depends how you want to look at it.”
• “Maybe he believes I can do more. Maybe he believes I can reach new heights, new levels.”

Important Point: From the outside, Tuchel’s shouting may look unfair or mean. But Spence says it’s the opposite—it’s exactly what he needs after years of being overlooked at club level.

Spence’s Bumpy Road to the Top

The Bright Start at Nottingham Forest

• In early 2022, Spence (then 21) starred for Forest (a second-tier team) in a 1-0 FA Cup win over Arsenal.
• Ian Wright (Arsenal legend) told him: “You’re supposed to be in the Premier League.”
• Forest got promoted; Spence posted a cheeky tweet with a cigar aimed at old boss Neil Warnock, who had doubted him.

The Tough Tottenham Years

• He joined Spurs for ~£20m in 2022.
• Coach Antonio Conte called him a “club signing” and barely played him (under 10 minutes).
• He was loaned to Rennes (France), then Leeds (England, second tier), then Genoa (Italy).
• Spurs almost sold him, but Genoa said no—a lucky break!

Important Point: Spence said Conte’s coldness “shattered my confidence a bit.” He felt like he hit a brick wall.

The Turnaround

• In 2024-25, injuries forced coach Ange Postecoglou to use him.
• After 881 days at Spurs, Spence finally started on Dec 15, 2024, and made an assist in a 5-0 win.
• He became a useful squad player, able to play on both sides of defense.

Some Hurdles with His Image

• Warnock and others thought Spence had attitude issues.
• Last season, he and a teammate skipped applauding fans after a loss—Tuchel didn’t like it and spoke to him.
• People say he’s shy and can seem distant.
• Still, Tuchel picked him for the World Cup, calling him the squad’s fastest and a top 1-v-1 defender.

Why Spence Means Business for England

• He has 13 caps (games for England) since Sept last year.
• He is the first Muslim player for England’s senior team and wants to inspire kids.
• He says the Mexico win ranks with his debut and winning the Europa League in 2025.
• At the World Cup, he’s been great off the bench: helped vs Croatia, defended well vs Mexico, and shone vs Norway.

Important Point: Spence may be quiet, but he cares deeply about playing for England and proving doubters wrong.

A Relaxed but Happy Camper

• Spence says he’s the most relaxed player in the camp—not uninterested!
• He jokes with media, even pretending to be a “trainee reporter.”
• He is close to coach Justin Cochrane from Spurs days.
• He is enjoying the World Cup more than ever.

What to Expect vs Argentina

If Spence starts the semi-final against Argentina and you see Tuchel yelling from the sideline:

1. Know it’s Tuchel showing belief in him.
2. Know Spence actually wants that tough coaching.
3. Know it’s helping him play the best football of his life.

Summary

Djed Spence went from being doubted and unused at Tottenham to becoming a key England player under Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel’s loud, strict style looks harsh but is really tough love—Spence believes the coach sees his unused potential. After a slow start, injuries gave him a chance, and now he’s thriving at the World Cup while staying true to himself.

FAQ

Q1: Who is Djed Spence?
A: A 25-year-old footballer who plays for Tottenham and England. He is a defender who can play on either side.

Q2: Why does Tuchel shout at Spence so much?
A: Tuchel believes Spence can reach higher levels, so he pushes him hard. Spence says this is a sign the coach likes and trusts him.

Q3: Was Spence always this good?
A: No. After a great start at Nottingham Forest, he struggled for years at Tottenham with little playtime and loans, until injuries gave him a real chance in 2024.

Q4: What makes Spence special off the pitch?
A: He is the first Muslim England senior player, a trailblazer for kids, and a relaxed, funny person who is close to the coaching staff.

Q5: Should fans worry if Tuchel barks at Spence in the semi-final?
A: Not at all! It’s their normal way of working, and Spence says it’s what he needs to be at his best.