Terry accuses Tuchel of singling out Spence in ways he would never treat Alexander-Arnold

John Terry has accused England head coach Thomas Tuchel of unfairly targeting Djed Spence with touchline tirades he would never direct at a player of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stature, raising questions about the treatment of less-established squad members at the World Cup.

Terry, who earned 78 caps for England and captained the side for much of his career, made the remarks on Piers Morgan’s World Cup Uncensored show after Tuchel was again seen berating the Tottenham full-back during England’s last-32 victory over DR Congo — one of at least two matches in which the German has visibly singled out the 25-year-old from the touchline.

“I don’t know if you’ve seen the images and videos of him going mad at Spence again in the game [against DR Congo],” Terry said. “I’m not saying he’s picking him out — but he seems like he’s having a proper dig at him.”

Terry went further, suggesting Tuchel’s selection choices may have been partly motivated by a desire to work with players he can publicly challenge without consequence. “If that’s Trent, I’m not sure he’s behaving like that. I’m not sure he’s talking to Trent like that. And maybe that’s an explanation of why he’s picked a couple of these players — because he can go like that to these younger players or these new players in the squad.”

Tuchel controversially omitted Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden from his squad on the grounds of squad harmony. That decision has come under increasing scrutiny after both Reece James and Tino Livramento picked up injuries, leaving England short of natural options at right-back.

Spence was substituted in the second half against Congo after a difficult duel with winger Brian Cipenga, who repeatedly got the better of the Tottenham defender. Tuchel’s frustration was not limited to Spence that evening — the coach was also visibly angered when Cipenga’s opening goal crept past Jordan Pickford at the near post.

Terry was candid about his own assessment of Spence as a player, stopping short of defending his performances while still taking issue with the coach’s conduct. “Listen, I’m not his fan. I don’t think he’s a good defender, I don’t think he’s a good footballer. But I will say I’ve not seen Tuchel do that to anyone else. It just seems to be on two or three occasions he’s dug Spence out.”

Spence has now accumulated 10 international caps and is likely to retain his starting berth at right-back for the remainder of the tournament, provided Tuchel keeps Ezri Konsa in the centre of defence.