The heated exchange between Thomas Tuchel and the England star may have changed everything
England’s dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo will be remembered for Harry Kane’s late brace, but perhaps a lively moment on the touchline is just as important.
Television cameras captured Thomas Tuchel in an angry altercation with right-back Jed Spence shortly before the England coach made the substitution that transformed the round of 32 tie and ultimately helped keep the Three Lions’ World Cup hopes alive.England arrived at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as favorites to reach the round of 16, but Brian Sebenga’s goal in the seventh minute turned the tie upside down.
For more than an hour, DR Congo defended resolutely while goalkeeper Lionel Mbasi frustrated England with a string of important saves, leaving Tuchel searching for a solution as his side edged into shock exit.
Tuchel’s frustration boiled over ahead of England’s tactical shift
As England continued to struggle for rhythm, Tuchel’s frustration became increasingly apparent. Just after the hour mark, television cameras showed the England coach animatedly pointing and shouting instructions at Jed Spence, who started at right-back after injuries ruled both Reece James and Jarrell Quansah out of the knockout tie.
Spence endured another difficult evening after a mixed tournament, and Tuchel’s visual reaction quickly became a talking point among fans watching the match.
One supporter wrote on X:“What did Tuchel really expect from Jed Spence seriously?”The same post continued:“Defensively, he’s a liability, and it’s bad going forward.”Another fan wondered if the defender had done enough to keep his place in the team, posting:“I hope this is the end of the Djed Spence experience for England, nothing against the player but he is not an international player… he cannot start against better teams.”With England falling behind and losing time, Tuchel decided that a tactical change was necessary.
The switch changes the momentum as Kane delivers
After nearly 10 minutes of heated exchange, Tuchel pulled Spence and brought on Ebereche Eze, making one of the crucial decisions of the evening.The switch led to a reshuffle in England’s formation. Rather than introducing a similar alternative at right-back, Tuchel moved Declan Rice into the defensive role, allowing Eze to operate further forward and provide greater creativity in the attacking third.
England coach Thomas Tuchel reacts during the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between England and Congo in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
The effect was almost immediate.Just four minutes after the change, England finally achieved the lead they had been seeking throughout the match. Anthony Gordon sent a wonderful cross from the left side, then Harry Kane cleared his marker before shooting a header past Lionel Mbasi to equalize the score in the 75th minute.
Although Eze did not register a goal or assist, his involvement injected new energy into England’s attack, while Rice’s move at right-back helped stabilize a winger who had struggled for most of the match.
The tactical adjustment changed England’s attacking balance and coincided with the period in which Tuchel’s side finally overcame Congolese resistance.England now qualify for a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on July 6, but Tuchel’s team selection is likely to come under renewed scrutiny ahead of that match. With James and Quansah still recovering from injury, the debate over England’s right-back position is expected to continue, while Eze’s influential appearance strengthens the case for a first start for the 2026 World Cup as the Three Lions prepare for their biggest test of the tournament yet.