WHAT A PERFORMANCE. 😳🔥
Against Tunisia, Jan Paul van Hecke's registered 145 touches - the most of ANY player in a single game at the 2026 World Cup.
He completed 130 of his 134 passes - the most of ANY player in a single game at the 2026 World Cup.
And he made 39 passes into the final 1/3 - you guessed it, the most of ANY player in a single game at the 2026 World Cup.
Oh, and he scored his first International goal. 🤪
🚨 Djed Spence breaks silence on why he didn’t greet Thomas Partey:
“I have my beliefs, and I live by them. My faith guides my decisions, and I know what my scriptures teach me. People are free to interpret what happened however they want, but I’m not going to go into detail or explain myself.
To the England fans, if my actions disappointed or upset any of you, I sincerely apologise. That was never my intention. I respect everyone, but I also have to stay true to my convictions.”
César Azpilicueta on Djed Spence appearing to snub a handshake:
🗣️ “If that was a deliberate decision, then I don't like it at all. Football is built on respect, professionalism, and setting an example, especially when millions of people around the world are watching.”
“You don't have to be best friends with every opponent. You don't have to agree with everyone. But showing basic respect before a match is one of the simplest traditions in the sport, and it exists for a reason.”
“What disappoints me is the message it sends. Young players watch these moments. Young fans watch these moments. They see professionals and expect them to represent the game in the right way.”
“If you're frustrated, if you're angry, if you have strong feelings about something, there are better ways to handle it. Football should never become about making yourself the story before the ball is even kicked.”
“The greatest players I've shared a pitch with understood this. They competed fiercely, they argued, they fought for every ball, but when it came to professionalism, they knew where the line was.”
“A handshake takes one second. Refusing it can dominate headlines for days. That's why players have to think carefully about the image they present on the biggest stages.”
“If it was intentional, then I think it was unnecessary. The focus should be on the football, the performance, and the result not on creating controversy before the match has even started.”
“Talent gets attention. Attitude gets remembered. And sometimes not for the right reasons.”