Djed Spence became an immediate Tottenham talking point before England’s 0-0 World Cup draw with Ghana after appearing not to shake Thomas Partey’s hand in the pre-match line-up.
The Spurs full-back was the only England player shown keeping his hand in his pocket as Partey approached, with the moment drawing attention before kick-off in Boston, according to The Guardian’s report from England against Ghana.
Spence later started for Thomas Tuchel’s side as England were held in Group L, leaving the football itself short of clarity and the pre-match incident to dominate much of the immediate discussion.
Spence stays in the England spotlight
For Tottenham, the significance is that Spence is no longer operating on the fringes of major conversations. His England involvement has already made him more visible this summer, and this episode places him at the centre of a sensitive World Cup debate.
The key football detail remains that Spence is getting tournament minutes. Spurs will be watching how he handles the physical and mental load, especially with pre-season planning waiting on the other side of England’s campaign.
Tottenham supporters do not need to overstate one handshake-line moment, but it does underline how quickly World Cup visibility can attach wider scrutiny to a player who is still trying to build status at club and international level.
