Djed Spence has defended Thomas Tuchel’s intense coaching approach, insisting the England manager’s high expectations are exactly what the team needs to succeed on the biggest stage.
The Tottenham full-back recently became the centre of attention after footage from England’s open training session showed Tuchel loudly demanding more from him during a passing drill.
Tuchel was heard calling out: “Djed, Djed, Djed wake up! Wake up!” after Spence hesitated during the exercise, but the defender revealed the moment was nothing unusual inside the England camp.
According to Spence, Tuchel’s approach reflects the standards required from a team chasing major honours.
“It’s normal. He’s a great manager. He wants the best from his players,” Spence told talkSPORT.
“He demands high standards and for this tournament, we need to be ready, we need to be on it.”
The defender explained that every training session carries importance under Tuchel, with the German coach determined to create an environment where every player remains focused and prepared.
“Every session needs to be of the highest quality. That’s what he demands. It’s good.”
Spence also dismissed the idea that he is singled out by Tuchel, revealing that the England boss regularly challenges players across the squad when standards drop.
“I wouldn’t be the only one he says it too. It’s part of the game.”
The Tottenham defender praised Tuchel’s attention to detail and his ability to create unity within the England setup.
He believes the manager has successfully developed a strong team bond, with every player working towards the same objective.
“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 highlighted one of Tuchel’s key messages — building a family atmosphere within the squad — as a major reason behind England’s growing confidence.
“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.”
The defender believes that shared mentality could help England achieve something special at the World Cup, with the squad fully committed to Tuchel’s methods.
“I think everyone is on the same path. We can do special things. I think he’s built that environment with this squad.”
For Spence, Tuchel’s public demands are not criticism but a sign of a manager pushing his players towards excellence.
The defender believes those standards, discipline and togetherness could become key ingredients in England’s pursuit of success.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
