Thomas Tuchel was caught on camera scolding an England player during the Ghana match.
England had a tough time against a determined Ghana in their second World Cup game, ending in a 0-0 draw. Thomas Tuchel looked a bit frustrated with one of his players during the match.
The team didn’t play as well as they hoped, which showed in the player ratings. England found it hard to challenge Ghana’s goal, with the Ghana keeper only needing to make three saves. This draw marks the 23rd time England has finished a World Cup game level, and the 13th time it ended 0-0.
Even though Tuchel and the team will be disappointed with the result, they can feel a bit better knowing they’re still top of their group before the last set of matches. Tuchel will want to keep that spot to get the best possible position in the next rounds and might make some changes, especially after a tense moment with one player during a water break.
It seemed Tuchel had some firm words for Djed Spence about his attacking runs, as reported by Geoff Shreeves for Fox TV’s US coverage. Shreeves was watching closely and explained that during the hydration break and when Reece James and Jordan Ayew got treated for head injuries, Tuchel mainly spoke to Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
Shreeves said, “Tuchel said most of what he needed to, and during the break, he was less animated than usual. But he did get on to Djed Spence, telling him to get down the wing, using clear gestures. It was like two team talks in one half.”
This comes just days after a training moment where Tuchel was heard shouting, ‘Djed, Djed, Djed, wake up! Wake up!’ during a session in front of the media.
Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United star, shared his thoughts on this during the BBC coverage before the England-Ghana game. He believes Tuchel planned the whole thing and said, “I think that was on purpose. Normally, managers don’t coach much when the press are watching, but Tuchel made sure this message got to the media, fans, and players.”
Djed Spence later spoke about it with talkSPORT, saying, “It’s normal. He’s a great manager who wants the best from us. He demands a lot, and for a tournament like this, we have to be ready. Every session needs to be top quality, and that’s what he expects. It’s good. I wouldn’t be the only one who hears it — he pushes everyone. It’s part of the game.”