**Title: Spence Embraces Tuchel's High Standards Ahead of World Cup Clash**
England defender Djed Spence has expressed his unshaken confidence in manager Thomas Tuchel's coaching style, following a recent training incident that garnered significant attention. During a passing drill on Saturday, Tuchel was seen shouting, “Djed, Djed, Djed, wake up!” at Spence, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
Spence, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and made his World Cup debut as a substitute in England's 4-2 victory over Croatia, emphasized that such outbursts are simply part of the game and reflect the high expectations that Tuchel has for his players. In an interview with TalkSPORT, Spence stated, “It’s normal. 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.”
The 52-year-old German coach is known for his meticulous approach to training and his commitment to fostering a competitive environment. Spence highlighted that every training session is crucial and must meet the highest quality standards. He noted, “It’s good. I wouldn’t be the only one he says it to. It’s part of the game.”
Furthermore, Spence praised Tuchel for creating a strong sense of unity within the England squad. He remarked, “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.” The defender echoed Tuchel’s sentiment of building a cohesive team, saying, “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.”
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins also commented on the incident during a press conference, acknowledging Tuchel's high standards. He humorously noted, “It was lucky it wasn’t me,” referring to the fact that he had made a mistake just before Spence did, but Tuchel chose to address Spence instead. Watkins added, “It just shows that he is a winner and that he is always driving the standards, making sure we are on it.”
As England prepares for their next match against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday, the team remains focused on their goal of World Cup success. The players are aware that maintaining high standards in training is essential for their performance on the field. With Tuchel at the helm, the England squad is determined to rise to the occasion and deliver their best in the tournament.