adminAs is typical during a World Cup, not every England player receives equal praise. Harry Kane has been outstanding, netting five goals so far—including two in the Round of 32 victory over DR Congo.
His form has been so compelling that Jamie Carragher recently claimed Kane “should win the Ballon d’Or based on the last 12 months,” though the former defender expects the award to go to a player from another country.
Not every member of the Three Lions has impressed, though. TV personality Piers Morgan and ex-England star John Terry found common ground in their criticism of one player: Djed Spence.
During an episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, both voiced their concerns about the defender, who struggled against DR Congo. The opposition’s opening goal came down his side, and he was later substituted, with Declan Rice finishing the match at right-back.
During that game, England manager Thomas Tuchel was caught on camera appearing to lose his temper with Spence. Terry highlighted this, admitting he’s “a little bit worried” about the Tottenham man and questioning whether Tuchel would have treated a more established player—like Trent Alexander-Arnold—with greater deference.
Terry added: “I really like Tuchel and think he’s a top, elite manager. But when I see that, I think: if that’s Trent, I’m not sure he behaves like that or talks to him like that.
Maybe that’s part of why he’s picked certain players—because he can get on at them like that, particularly younger or newer squad members. That’s interesting to me.”
Morgan then weighed in with his own criticism, referencing Spence’s past behavior and questioning his character: “Don’t forget, this is Djed Spence—a bit of a cocky lad.
He’s the one who wouldn’t shake Thomas Frank’s hand, and the one who, after being substituted, made a point of coming back from the bench to offer a handshake to Igor Tudor.”
John Terry Unimpressed by Djed Spence
Responding to Morgan, Terry admitted he’s not a fan of the player and rates him poorly overall. The Chelsea legend said: “Listen, I’m not his fan. I don’t think he’s a good defender or a good footballer. He’s played in a really struggling Spurs side this year.”
That said, Terry did defend Spence to some extent, suggesting Tuchel should avoid publicly singling him out too often. He explained: “I’ve not seen Tuchel do that to anyone else.
It seems like two or three times he’s dug Spence out. But then he’s also relied on him and played him again. For me, that’s mixed messaging.”
With Tino Livramento injured before the tournament and Reece James missing the last two games due to fitness issues, Tuchel appears likely to continue depending on Spence as the competition progresses.
admin
