How Thomas Tuchel’s anger at an England player cost them World Cup elimination against DR Congo | Football News
England’s dramatic 2-1 comeback against Democratic Republic of Congo will be best remembered for Harry Kane’s late brace, but a thrilling moment on the touchline may be just as important. TV cameras captured a heated exchange between Thomas Tuchel and right-back Jed Spencer before the England manager made a substitution that changed the dynamics of the last 32 tie and ultimately helped keep the Three Lions’ World Cup hopes alive.England arrived at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a commanding lead heading into the last 16, but Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute goal turned the tide. For over an hour, DR Congo defended tenaciously and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi frustrated England with a series of important saves, leaving Tuchel looking for solutions as his side edged closer to elimination.
Tuchel’s frustration boils over before England’s tactical shift
Tuchel’s frustration became increasingly apparent as England continued to struggle for pace. Just an hour later, TV cameras showed the England manager making animated gestures at Jed Spence and shouting instructions. Spence started at right back after Reece James and Jarrell Quasa missed the game due to injury.Spence endured another difficult night after a mixed game and Tuchel’s visible reaction quickly became a talking point for supporters watching the game.One supporter wrote on X:“What does Tuchel really want from Jed Spencer?”The same article continues:“Defensively he’s a liability and will have poor performance going forward.”Another fan questioned whether the defender had done enough to keep his place in the team, posting:“Hopefully this is the end of the Jed Spence experiment in England and it doesn’t have any impact on the lad, but he’s not an international player… and can’t start against better teams.”With England falling behind and time running out, Tuchel felt a tactical change was necessary.
Substitution changes Kane’s momentum
About 10 minutes into the heated exchange, Tuchel made one of the decisive decisions of the night by withdrawing Spence and bringing on Eberechi Eze.This substitution triggered a reshuffle of England’s formation. Rather than bringing in a similar replacement at right-back, Tuchel moved Declan Rice into a defensive position, allowing Eze to push further forward and provide greater creativity in the final third.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel reacts during the World Cup round of 32 football match between England and Congo on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
The impact was almost immediate.Just four minutes after the substitution, England finally found the breakthrough they had been chasing all game. Anthony Gordon leveled the score in the 75th minute with a tempting cross from the left and Harry Kane escaped his marker before heading past Lionel Mpahi.Although Eze did not score or assist, his introduction injected new energy into England’s attack, while Rice’s right-back helped stabilize a wing that had struggled for much of the game. This tactical tweak altered England’s attacking balance and coincided with a period when Tuchel’s side finally overwhelmed Congolese resistance.England have now progressed to the last 16 and will meet co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on July 6, but Tuchel’s squad choices are likely to be re-examined ahead of that game. With James and Quasa still recovering from injury, the debate over England’s right-back position is expected to continue, and the impact of Eze’s cameo strengthens their case for a first start at the 2026 World Cup as the Three Lions prepare for their biggest World Cup test yet.
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