Jed Spence has had to face ire as Thomas Tuchel refrains from criticizing England players at the World Cup, but it’s not the first time this has happened.
Thomas Tuchel was seen targeting Jed Spence during England’s win over Congo (Image: Getty Images)
England manager Thomas Tuchel once again lamented Jed Spence as he captured his latest outburst against the Three Lions right-back on a pitchside microphone.
Spence has the unenviable role of playing in a technical area hub, meaning he is often the closest to Tuchel and decisions will be made right in front of the England manager.
The World Cup match between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo went as planned for more than an hour as the Africans took an early lead and were in danger of a huge upset in the round of 32. Tensions were reaching a boiling point and Spence had to be stopped by his manager.
On one occasion, Spence received a throw but let it fly backwards, but it didn’t sit well with the German, who wanted him to be more progressive. He yelled, “Jed! It’s one on one there (forwards)! Play forward!”
Tuchel continued to call for changes in the second half in an attempt to change the direction of the game, but his patience appeared to be at an end due to Spence. After Spence briefly won the ball, Tuchel immediately called up Ebelesi Eze, replacing the Tottenham full-back with 20 minutes remaining.
It was a World Cup specialty for Tuchel to cut animated figures. That was very evident during England’s first match against Croatia and the goalless draw against Ghana, where Spence was once again in the receiving half.
Wednesday night’s clash ended in England’s victory, keeping their World Cup dreams alive and setting them up to face Mexico in the last 16. Harry Kane’s two goals helped save the Three Lions, with the second garnering huge praise and the frontman continuing to emphasize that he is one of the best players in the world.
Jed Spence had his hands full trying to contain Brian Shipenga (Image: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
These two games have left Kane firmly in the hunt for the World Cup Golden Boot, and Tuchel believes his world-class frontmen are pushing each other.
“Are these big men in this World Cup watching each other? And they’re like, ‘You can’t keep up with me, then I score, then I get a hat-trick and then you’re gone.’ What’s going on? It’s crazy,” he said.
“Harry is a really good player. He’s our captain. He’s our leader. He finishes the game unbelievably and he’s done it twice here. The second goal was just a great goal.”
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