Tuchel's pitchside fury at Spence overshadowed by Kane's brace as England beat DR Congo

Thomas Tuchel was again caught on pitchside microphones directing sharp criticism at Djed Spence during England’s World Cup victory over DR Congo, with the Tottenham right-back eventually hauled off after 70 minutes as Harry Kane’s brace secured the win and a last-16 tie against Mexico.

Spence’s positioning along the touchline — directly in front of the England technical area — has made him the most visible target for Tuchel’s in-game frustrations throughout the tournament. On one occasion against DR Congo, the full-back played a throw-in backwards, prompting an immediate outburst from the head coach. “Djed! There [forward] is one on one! Play up front!” Tuchel shouted, with pitchside microphones picking up the exchange clearly.

The moment was not an isolated one. Tuchel’s animated touchline presence was equally apparent during England’s opening group game against Croatia and their goalless draw with Ghana, where Spence was also on the receiving end of his manager’s displeasure.

With DR Congo having taken an early lead and threatening a significant upset in the Round of 32, England’s performance was far from convincing for much of the first hour. Tuchel’s patience with Spence appeared to expire after the full-back gave away possession, with Eberechi Eze brought on as his replacement.

Kane ultimately rescued England with two goals that drew widespread praise and kept him firmly in contention for the Golden Boot. Tuchel was effusive about his captain after the match, drawing a picture of the world’s top strikers spurring one another on at the tournament.

“These big guys at this World Cup, do they watch each other? And then they go ‘not with me, then I score, then I do a hat-trick, then you go’. What is going on? Crazy,” Tuchel said. “Harry is so, so good. He’s our captain. He’s our leader. He decides football matches with unbelievable finishes and did it here twice. The second one was just a brilliant goal.”

England’s place in the last 16 is secured, but Tuchel will need to resolve his right-back situation before facing Mexico, with Spence’s role in the side now firmly in question.