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Arsenal and Tottenham face off in the first North London Derby of the season on Sunday afternoon with Gunners still favourites despite some bad injury news.

The Gunners are top of the Premier League and eight points clear of arch-rivals Spurs, who occupy fifth place in the table, but Mikel Arteta’s side will be missing Gabriel Magalhaes after the centre-back picked up an injury on international duty,

Despite Arsenal being clear at the top of the Premier League table, Tottenham are the best team away from home in the league with 2.6 points per game so far this term.

Form, as they say, goes out the window in derby matches and here are some of the best North London Derby predictions from over the past few days…

Aaron Ramsey

“I can’t see anything other than an Arsenal win at the moment,” he said. “The way they’re playing, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Harry Redknapp

“A fascinating one. Arsenal drew at Sunderland but these things happen, and they were going to drop points at some point. I know they have got some tricky games coming up and they picked up an injury or two during the international break, but I am not overly concerned. This squad should be big enough to make things work.

“Spurs drew against United but I cannot say I was overly impressed. I think Spurs are superb defensively, they have got some top players back there, as good as anyone in the league. Going forward though, they just seem to lack some ideas and a bit of creativity.

“Spurs suit these types of game, we saw them go to the Etihad and win earlier in the season. They will frustrate Arsenal, but I still have to lean towards Arsenal. Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham.”

Ian Wright

When asked if he was concerned by Gabriel’s absence, Wright said: “Mosquera’s coming in so it’s alright.

“I’m not giving Spurs anything. We need a set piece this week we’ll save it for next week. I’m going 2-0.”

On mounting title pressure from Manchester City, Wright added: “It’s not that I’m worried but this is what the league is about now.

“Everyone is saying about how great our squad is but this is when we find out what we’re about.”

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Gary Neville

Responding to Wright on The Overlap: “I don’t think it’ll be 2-0 I think it’ll be a bit more of a scruffy game. I think it’ll be a bit messy.

“I think 2-1 Arsenal or 3-2. It’s that type of game. But I’ll go 2-1 Arsenal. I think Tottenham will score.”

Paul Merson

“This is the game! When I used to play for Arsenal, I used to ring my dad up and tell him when we’re playing Tottenham as soon as the fixtures were out. I know Liverpool and Manchester City are bigger opponents for Arsenal in the title race, but for the fans, this is the biggest game!

“Tottenham are top of the league table if you only consider form away from home. When Spurs are not the favourites and they sit back, absorb pressure and hit you on the break, they are a tricky team to face.

“If Arsenal were playing away from home, I would have given Tottenham no chance! Mikel Arteta also has to deal with injuries to some key players, so I don’t think this game is a straighforward win for Arsenal. Will Viktor Gyokeres be fit? Can Leandro Trossard make an impact like he did in the last game? There are so many questions to be answered.

“Arsenal vs Tottenham has always been one of the most entertaining matches in the Premier League. But I don’t think that will be the case here. I’m expecting a tight, cagey affair with Arsenal coming out on top in the end.

“Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur.”

David Ornstein says Manchester United are not one of the three Premier League clubs expected to compete for the signing of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo in January.

News emerged this week that Semenyo has a £65million release clause in the contract he signed in the summer.

Liverpool have been the most strongly linked with the Ghanaian international, though Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also reportedly keen.

Antoine Semenyo vs leading PL wingers in 2025/26

More goals (6) than Bryan Mbeumo (5), Mohamed Salah (4), Bukayo Saka (3), Jeremy Doku (1), Jack Grealish (1)

Fewest fouls drawn (7), most fouls committed (24)

Most aerial duels won (26) by 20 (Saka, Salah)

Ornstein said quite a lot about Semenyo’s situation on The Athletic FC Podcast, including what clubs are interested and what Newcastle and Manchester United make of his availability.

“It’s applicable immediately, so the January transfer window,” Ornstein began.

“Some suggested it was only available next summer, but no, in January it becomes live for a certain period of time. Which I imagine with these things is in around the first 10 days of the window, and that gives a couple of weeks for Bournemouth to find a replacement.

“Bournemouth accept he wouldn’t have signed the new deal if they hadn’t agreed to this.

“My understanding is it’s available to all clubs, not just certain suitors. You know, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham have all been heavily linked in recent days and weeks.

“It’s a clause that if it does go to the summer when it will reactivate, then it’s a lower fee.”

Deputy News Editor Dan Kilpatrick added that Tottenham Hotspur should be in contention for Semenyo’s signature.

“I think there was interest from Spurs over the summer,” he added.

“There are no secrets, as Spurs still need reinforcements there (in attack). They don’t have a natural option on the left flank or a clear favorite on the left flank under Thomas Frank. They will be a club watching the situation, I’m sure.”

Ornstein added that the release clause is lower than their asking price in the summer transfer window, when Manchester United enquired about Semenyo’s availability.

“It’s clearly one of the best market opportunities out there,” he said. “£65million is below what Bournemouth were asking for him last summer.

“When Manchester United and Spurs came knocking, it was £70million. The suggestions out there, following our story, is that it’s actually £60million, plus £5million in add-ons.”

Liverpool have ‘firm interest’ in signing Semenyo in January

Liverpool, though, are seriously interested in signing the 25-year-old in January.

“It sounds like Liverpool have a firm interest. They didn’t replace Luis Diaz last summer. They obviously gave Rio Ngumoha an opportunity, and will continue to, and they don’t want to block his pathway.

“But of course, with players of such a tender age on such a big stage, they need time, and they need space and respect, and perhaps an acquisition of Semenyo’s level would work in that regard.

“Mohamed Salah is getting to an age where they’ll be thinking about auxiliary players, but also succession plans as well. So that’s an interesting one to watch.

“Richard Hughes, the sporting director at Liverpool, signed Antoine Semenyo from Bristol City to Bournemouth, so there’s a clear link there.”

Manchester City and Spurs are interested in signing Semenyo, Ornstein reports.

“Manchester City have been credited with an interest. Tottenham were linked with a move for Savinho in the summer, put in an offer. Man City kept hold of him. They were looking at Rodrygo as a potential replacement. So that’s definitely an area that they’ll be paying attention to.

“We actually revealed in the summer that they (Tottenham) had made an enquiry for Semenyo, and I think soundings coming from around Spurs is that they’re ready to do something in January to bolster that squad further.

“They’ve got the Champions League campaign. They’ve got the ambitions of what feels like a new ownership under the old ownership, and they want to be challenging. Their stated aim is to sort of be winning the trophies like they did last summer with the Europa League more regularly. And for the time being, from the many conversations I’ve had, those seem to be the three teams genuinely in the frame to a certain degree.”

Man Utd, Arsenal, Newcastle not in Semenyo race

Manchester United, meanwhile, seem unlikely to pursue Semenyo after spending over £60m on Bryan Mbeumo in the summer.

“Manchester United were there in the summer, but they obviously signed Bryan Mbeumo. So is this a position that they’re looking for? Is this a player that they’re still in for? I’m not aware of that right now. Of course, the finances will play a major part with United as well.

“People have said Arsenal, because I think there’s some suggestion that he was an Arsenal fan growing up. But obviously, they’re very well stocked in those attacking positions as things stand.”

Asked if Newcastle could make a move, Ornstein played down that possibility.

“Newcastle are hugely ambitious, as per their ownership and their manager, Eddie Howe; they’ve got Champions League football. They want to be winning more trophies after their League Cup success last time round.

“They did strengthen in the wide area, with Anthony Elanga on the right side, and that was their priority. They’ve still, of course, got Anthony Gordon on the left.

“Semenyo is not a name I’ve heard in their sphere so far. And Newcastle have had to be really careful with their finances. They came so close to the edge, which led them to sale of Yankuba Minteh and also Elliot Anderson… I’m not sure how the finances would work right now with Newcastle.

“But moreover, I’m not hearing them as this moment in time being in the frame for Semenyo, and I don’t know what comes from an optical point of view on Eddie Howe potentially signing another player from Bournemouth. Personally, I wouldn’t care, because Antoine Semenyo is so good.

“Let’s see. It wouldn’t surprise you if others came into the mix, but certainly, you know, the industry is telling us so far that if there’s to be a move, it’s sounding more like a Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham direction of travel, subject to change.”

A Tottenham man is reportedly ‘unlikely’ to play for the club again, and a London rival is among those hoping for a cut-price transfer in January.

Spurs have made a positive start to life under Thomas Frank. They are currently fifth in the Premier League and on eight points in the Champions League.

Frank made it clear what he would and wouldn’t accept from his squad early on. As a result of the persistent lateness of Yves Bissouma, the midfielder was left out of the UEFA Super Cup squad, and injuries since mean he’s been yet to play for Frank.

At the time, the manager said: “Bissouma has not travelled with the team because of disciplinary reasons.

“He has been late several times and the latest time was one too many. With everything you need to give your players a lot of love but also have demands and there also need to be consequences. This time there was a consequence for that.”

A month later he suggested the door was still open for Bissouma at Tottenham, but it seems that’s no longer the case.

The Daily Mail now reports that the midfielder is ‘unlikely’ to ever play for Spurs again. His contract is up in the summer, and if he’s not sold in January, the north London club expects to renew his deal for a year, thus giving them further opportunities to sell.

But Bissouma might already be out of the door by January. The report suggests Tottenham will listen to offers in January, with Fulham among the sides who want to land the midfielder.

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They are said to be monitoring his situation but hope his price is cut as his contract winds down, after Spurs’ last attempts to ship the midfielder out were for over £10million.

Given Bissouma is still injured, it’s not a given that he is sold in January. But it’s projected that he will be back fit by then, allowing him to head to AFCON.

If he performs well there, then it seems a move could well be likely. The report suggests that Bissouma is settled in England and is thought to favour continuing there.

As a result, Fulham could have a good chance of landing him, and given January is due to be the final chance Tottenham will get to receive a fee from him, the hopes of a cut-price deal could be realised.

A Tottenham summer signing is reportedly ‘unhappy’ at his role at the club currently and finds himself ‘top’ of the list at Roma for a potential move.

Spurs made eight signings in the summer. Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have clearly been two of the standouts, while others have had less impact.

Mathys Tel, who was on loan from Bayern Munich last season and then signed permanently for just under £30million has not done an awful lot.

He’s started just four games across all competitions and has scored twice in his 11 total appearances.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Tel is ‘unhappy’ partially because he was left out of the Champions League squad, with fellow new man Randal Kolo Muani included.

That could be to the benefit of Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini, who it’s said has the Frenchman ‘top’ of his list to improve the left flank.

The report states that Tottenham have no interest of selling Tel right now, but a loan move could be best for all parties.

Whether or not Spurs would accept that remains to be seen, though. Indeed, there could be more opportunities coming for Tel than he has had so far this season.

Kudus is returning from a knock, potentially alongside Dominic Solanke – who has been out for a while – Kolo Muani sustained an injury prior to the international break, and Dejan Kulusevski remains on the sidelines.

With a number of attacking options either not at full fitness or out of action, Thomas Frank won’t want his side to be less impactful up top.

Indeed, only the top three in the Premier League have scored more than Tottenham have this season, and it will be hard to sustain the efforts in front of goal without options in the attack.

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As a result, if injury problems remain into the January window, it feels unlikely that Tel will be allowed to leave.

That said, it is conceivable that all of the current injured attackers will be back fit by then, which could potentially open the door to Tel’s exit.

That reports suggest Spurs want to land a new left winger given their struggles in the position – which has been occupied by a few forwards so far this season – could mean that Tel is given the nod to go and get minutes elsewhere, given that is one of two positions he’s played this term.

Real Sociedad are reportedly open to selling star winger Takefusa Kubo – and that should put several Premier League clubs on red alert.

A report from Spanish outlet Fichajes claims the San Sebastián club have ‘agreed to sell Kubo in January’ and names Tottenham Hotspur as the most likely destination.

Kubo solves a simple Tottenham issue

Spurs strengthened their attack in the summer with Xavi Simons, Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, yet they continue to be linked with attackers.

A recurring issue for Thomas Frank’s frontline is how few of his options have a clear, fixed best position.

Kudus, for example, is known primarily as a right-winger, but he has also played on the left, as a No.10 and even as a No.9. The same positional fluidity applies to all four of Spurs’ summer signings. Even Richarlison, who was signed as a back-up when Harry Kane was still at the club, has always been viewed as someone who can play anywhere across the front line.

That lack of continuity could be hindering Spurs. Look at Arsenal or Manchester City, and you instantly know where their attackers line up. Bukayo Saka is a right-winger. Jeremy Doku is a left-winger. Simple.

That’s why Kubo is relevant: he is a right-winger, full stop. And having a reliable, specialist player in that role could be transformative for Spurs, provided he has the quality to thrive in the Premier League.

Takefusa Kubo: Career stats

Current Transfermarkt value: €30m

Peak value: €60m (Dec 2023)

Kubo’s talent was never in doubt two years ago, but his recent form has dipped. After strong 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons (nine goals, seven assists; then seven goals, four assists), last season produced only five goals and zero assists in 36 matches. This year, he has one goal in 10 appearances.

Premier League clubs might hesitate over the declining numbers, but a new environment could be ideal, and if he’s available for under £30m, he’s absolutely worth considering.

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Kubo’s transfer options should range from Spurs to Leeds

For around £25m, Kubo could realistically end up at a relegation battler such as Leeds United, but he could just as easily attract interest from Spurs or Newcastle.

Liverpool once viewed him as a long-term option on the right. While he no longer profiles as a Salah successor, he could still be a viable squad option behind Salah, especially since Arne Slot lacks a natural right-sided winger in reserve.

Aston Villa are also mentioned in the Fichajes report, though Sociedad may only sanction a mid-season sale if his €60m release clause is activated, something that feels highly unlikely.

Still, at half that price, Kubo would represent a smart market opportunity for almost any Premier League club.

The numbers: Kubo stacks up well against Premier League stars

Japan’s starboy remains one of the most technically gifted players in Spain, averaging 1.45 take-ons per 90 in 2025/26, more than Salah (0.64) and Manchester City winger Savinho (1.36).

His progressive carries per 90 (4.03) are similar to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (4.21), and among a group including Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and the three aforementioned players, he ranks lowest for dispossessions per 90 (1.13).

Defensively, he’s far from a liability. He is top for tackles per 90 (1.61) and second for blocked passes (0.81), behind only Saka (1.32).

The fundamentals are there, and at the right price, Kubo would be a top signing for almost every Premier League club.

Man Utd, Chelsea or Spurs? It should be obvious who is ‘offering’ FC Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski a move to the Premier League next summer…

The striker market dominated this summer’s transfer window and this could also be the case in the 2026 window.

This is because Lewandowski, who remains one of the best strikers in the world, is due to become a free agent next summer and looks increasingly likely to leave Barcelona.

The 37-year-old goal machine has seven goals in 12 matches despite having limited minutes due to a muscle injury and Marcus Rashford’s sensational form, but it appears that the Spanish giants are preparing a succession plan.

Rashford is currently doing nothing to harm his hopes of joining Barcelona permanently. Therefore, Man Utd face losing their academy product for a bargain £26m fee, with Harry Kane, Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland mooted as possible replacements for Lewandowski.

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So, it appears that Lewandowski’s future lies elsewhere, but his recent form indicates that he still has plenty in the tank and it would be a waste of his talents if he opted for a move to the Saudi Pro League, as requested by Cristiano Ronaldo.

This means it’s hardly surprising that there is Premier League interest in Lewandowski, who has already supposedly been ‘offered’ a contract by an English team.

This is according to an account on X with over 640k followers and a ‘team of five elite reporters’. who tweeted: ‘Exclusive: Robert Lewandowski has been offered a one-year contract by a Premier League team.

‘The details are still a bit unclear, but it looks like it could be one of the big three: Manchester United, Chelsea, or Spurs. More details will be leaked very soon.’

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As of now, the identity of this mystery club is yet to be revealed, but it should be obvious who it is.

Firstly, it will not be Chelsea as this signing would go against their entire business model. Tottenham Hotspur are a tad more likely, but surely they are not silly enough to think they have any chance of signing Lewandowski?

So that leaves Man Utd, who have the opportunity to make a no-brainer signing in 2026 by landing Lewandowski for a year or two.

In a similar scenario to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s brief stint at Man Utd, there is a huge upside for the Red Devils to give Lewandowski the platform to have a spell in the Premier League before retirement.

As proven at Barcelona in recent years, Lewandowski is still at the necessary physical level to compete in elite competitions and would provide a huge shot in the arm for Man Utd’s attack.

He shouldn’t and wouldn’t play every week for the Red Devils, but he would share the load and take some pressure off of summer signing Benjamin Sesko, who is currently being set up to fail due to the lack of quality competition.

Sesko has had a mixed start at Man Utd as he takes time to settle into a new league, but some pundits have prematurely written him off despite having the required physical attributes to develop into a brilliant striker.

He just needs a bit of help, and the presence of Lewandowski would be a huge boost for his development, while Man Utd would add a striker who would score at least ten Premier League goals to their squad for next season. It’s a win all around and really should happen.

Thomas Tuchel, Roy Keane and others have answered an England selection question for next summer’s World Cup during this international break…

Tuchel has done a great job of raising the competitiveness in the England squad, as all players have been made aware that every minute on the pitch counts en route to the World Cup.

The England head coach has not been afraid to make bold decisions. He has handed out six senior debuts to deserving talents, with it now clear that his squad is taking shape ahead of next summer’s tournament.

John Barnes has foolishly suggested that there are only two “definite starters” in the England squad, though it is more likely six at least; Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane all look sure of their place.

It is positive to have this much clarity already, but certain spots in the squad are definitely up for grabs in the coming months.

One such position is left-back, which has been a problem area for England in recent years.

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Since the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands, England have used ten left-backs in their 17 games, as it has become apparent that they lack a clear standout in this position.

Tuchel has tested several options and there has been very little to choose from until this international break, in which Man City star Nico O’Reilly has emerged as the frontrunner to start at the World Cup.

Before this break, Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly was Tuchel’s most-used left-back with six appearances, while Spurs man Djed Spence was not far behind with three appearances.

Lewis-Skelly is obviously an immense talent, but, as Keane has pointed out, he is not currently playing enough to warrant a place in England’s starting XI. He could even miss out on the World Cup squad completely.

This opened the door for Spence, who impressed during the October international break, but Tuchel’s nitpicking at player attitude plays against the Spurs man, who has been singled out for criticism by the England boss.

Subsequently, Spence was an unused substitute against Serbia and Latvia, while O’Reilly made the most of his opportunity in his first senior starts for the Three Lions.

Tuchel also said that the in-form Man City star was “fantastic” against Serbia, which adds to the view that he currently favours O’Reilly over Spence and Lewis-Skelly.

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And Keane agrees that this should be the pecking order at left-back. After Sunday’s 2-0 win against Albania, he explained:

“It’s a strong looking [England] team [for the World Cup]. There’s probably a few positions up for grabs. I still think [it should be] Rashford and O’Reilly, but people can build up relationships.

“Lewis-Skelly, I still think he is a good player [for England] if he can get back into the first-team at Arsenal. Really good options.

“[O’Reilly] is playing for a brilliant team at Man City under a brilliant coach so he’s got into very good habits.

“Sometimes players just click together. There’s nice chemistry between them (O’Reilly and Rashford). There’s a nice energy.”

Ex-Manchester United defender Phil Jones has also favoured O’Reilly after he showed a “really good state of mind” against Serbia, while former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson reckons the “superb” star can “definitely make the left-back spot his own”.

Plenty can change in the seven months before the World Cup; injuries and returns from injury for Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento could further complicate the situation. But O’Reilly is currently winning the England left-back battle.

A mystery Premier League side has reportedly offered Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski a one-year contract with Man Utd, Chelsea and Spurs mooted.

Lewandowski’s contract at Barcelona expires in the summer and it’s unclear whether he could stay at the Camp Nou or look for an opportunity elsewhere.

The Poland international has only started four La Liga matches this season but in his nine appearances he’s scored an amazing seven goals.

Lewandowski still clearly maintains his goal-scoring touch, which has attracted numerous clubs to a potential cut-price deal ahead of the January transfer window.

The Pole appeared to rule out a move in the January transfer window as he revealed he’s taking his time at deciding his future in an interview last week.

Lewandowski said on international duty: “I still don’t know what my decision will be in the coming weeks or months, nor where I will play. I am taking my time and not rushing. In a few months, I’ll be ready to choose the direction I want to take.”

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AC Milan, Man Utd and other clubs have been linked with a potential winter deal but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently ruled that out.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “What’s clear is that even speaking to those close to Robert Lewandowski, the striker has no intention of moving in January. He’s personally convinced that Barcelona can make progress in several competitions, including the Champions League, and wants to end his experience there in the best possible way.”

And now a reliable account on X made up of ‘five elite reporters’ and 684k followers claims that a mystery Premier League side has a made a one-year contract offer.

It is understood that it could be one of Man Utd, Chelsea or Tottenham making the offer with more details promised soon.

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The account wrote: ‘Exclusive. Robert Lewandowski has been offered a one-year contract by a Premier League team. The details are still a bit unclear, but it looks like it could be one of the big three: Manchester United, Chelsea, or Spurs. More details will be leaked very.’

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick recently raved about the shape the 37-year-old is still in despite coming to the end of his career.

Flick said: “I don’t know what’s in his DNA, but he recovers in three weeks from injuries that should last five.

“Although we had some injuries from last season, we started with Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal at their peak, and that gave us a lot of confidence from the beginning. The style of play was great. This season we’ve lost many players who are now returning. That’s a good starting point.”

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has revealed that he had a ‘secret meeting’ with Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe last year.

Frank was one of the longest-serving managers in England at Brentford, but he left the London club in the summer to join Spurs.

A move to a Big Six club was overdue for the Danish head coach, who had done a great job at Brentford over many years as they surpassed expectations to stabilise in the Premier League.

Under Frank, Spurs have had a mixed start to this season as they have struggled at home and generally in front of goal, but they are unbeaten in the Champions League group stages and are in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Tottenham have certainly improved under Frank as they are more resolute than they were during Ange Postecoglou’s reign, but he has now revealed that he could have joined another club before the north London outfit.

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Frank has a new book coming out and has ‘shared secrets and stories from his journey out the back door of Brøndby to football’s business class in the Premier League’.

Danish outlet TV2 has a preview of Frank’s book, with the Spurs boss revealing that he had ‘meetings’ with Man Utd and Chelsea on May 24, 2024.

At the time, Man Utd were considering whether to replace Erik ten Hag, who ended up staying until October 2024. Chelsea, meanwhile, were searching for a permanent replacement for Mauricio Pochettino and eventually appointed Enzo Maresca in July 2024.

Frank has revealed how this dramatic day unfolded, claiming he and Ratcliffe met in an ‘unlikely place’.

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He explained:

‘In the morning, he sat in club owner Jim Ratcliffe’s garage in London – an unlikely place for a meeting with Manchester United, but such is the world of football. Hours later he entered the plush luxury of the Mayfair Hotel near Hyde Park, where Chelsea wanted to hear for the second time how the Dane viewed the game, people and leadership.’

‘Two meetings. Two of the world’s biggest clubs. On one and the same day. No contract was signed. United went with Rúben Amorim. Chelsea with Enzo Maresca. But for Thomas Frank, the day was proof that his name had now become one that was talked about in the finest circles.’

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has hit out at a Tottenham Hotspur star as he has insisted that the “standard of behaviour is always important”.

Spence has been in great form for Spurs over the past 18 months as he has saved his Tottenham career and broken into the England squad.

The versatile full-back impressed for England during the October international break as he cemented himself as one of the frontrunners to start at next summer’s World Cup.

However, Spence was an unused substitute as England beat Serbia 2-0 on Thursday night and Tuchel has since revealed that he “didn’t like it” when the defender blanked Spurs head coach Thomas Frank following the 1-0 loss to Chelsea.

“Yeah, I didn’t like it,” Tuchel said about Spence’s conduct.

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“Because the players know they are not only national players when they are the 10 days in camp, they are always national players and the standard of behaviour is always important.”

Spence could return to the England starting XI on Sunday afternoon as Tuchel’s side face Albania in their final World Cup qualifier.

Tuchel has also admitted that he will talk to his players about not following in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps against Albania on Sunday to do something silly to get sent off.

“It is important, I’m aware of it and we will talk about it. No red cards please,” Tuchel said.

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“If we have a doubt then, because we are through and we are in a position with last man then the player holds the shirt he gets the red card. If there’s a doubt then it would be smarter not to do it.

“If he goes in the last man example and if we can avoid it no red card of course but I don’t want to make it too big a subject because then you have a cloud above you. But if you have the choice: don’t do it.”

Tuchel will have to make at least one change from his last England XI for Sunday’s match against Albania as he has confirmed that he will not “risk” Aston VIlla star Ezri Konsa.

“Ezri is not with us, he has a tight calf and got assessed in the afternoon and didn’t take the risk so we didn’t take him,” Tuchel added.

“Everyone else is ready to go. He has had a lot of matches for Aston Villa so was a candidate to have a rest.”