World Cup pitchside mics catch Thomas Tuchel hammering England star for playing backwards as they struggled against DR Congo – and his dismissive reaction to his boss

Thomas Tuchel once again attacked Djed Spence from the touchline as England took on the DR Congo.

The Three Lions boss is known to have an ear for the player closest to him and he did the same with Spence against Ghana and in training.

England took their place in the last 16 against Mexico with Harry Kane’s last two goals, making him five goals in the tournament.

But Tuchel had to shout repeatedly and make numerous substitutions to wake his team up after they fell 1-0 down with just seven minutes remaining thanks to Congolese winger Brian Cipenga’s goal.

At one point, when Spence took a shot and sent it backwards, pitchside microphones heard Tuchel shouting “Djed!” It showed him shouting. There [forward] one on one! Play ahead!’

The 25-year-old actor seemed to have a nonchalant reaction, shrugging his shoulders and reluctantly looking back with his hands outstretched before walking away.

Spence struggled throughout the game and left the game in the second half.

Tottenham’s left-back was on the opposite side of the defense following injuries to Reece James, Jarell Quansah and Tino Livramento, who were sent home before the tournament.

Spence struggled throughout the match and appeared particularly bothered by Cipenga’s direct dribbling.

He and his nearest centre-back Ezri Konsa never looked comfortable and England had the chance to go into the break only 1-0 down after Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa struck the post.

When Spence lost the ball in the final third of the game, Tuchel immediately called on Eberechi Eze, a move that showed he was running out of patience with Spence.

In mitigation, Spence’s preparation for the World Cup was less than ideal as he suffered a serious fracture to his jaw while playing against Chelsea in May.

He was playing with his face mask and said: ‘It’s a bit annoying but it is what it is.

‘This is something I have to get used to. ‘It will take three months to fully heal, so that’s a long time.’

England are optimistic that James and Quansah will be available for England’s clash against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca early on Monday morning.

Spence has been the target of Tuchel’s frustrations throughout the World Cup. A field trip where he bullshitted her went viral.

‘Djed, Djed, Djed wake up! To wake up!’ Tuchel shouted as Spence hesitated in a passing drill.

Spence later told talkSPORT: ‘It’s normal. He’s a great manager. He wants the best from his players.

‘He demands high standards and we need to be ready for this tournament, we need to focus on that.

‘Every session needs to be of the highest quality. He also demands this. Beautiful.

‘I won’t be the only one to say this. It’s part of the game.

‘I think he’s a great manager, a great guy. What he wants to do is very detailed. I have great respect for him.

‘As he always says, we are creating a family, we have established a brotherhood within the team, everyone has one dream, one brain.

‘I think everyone is on the same path. We can do special things. I think he created that environment with this staff.’

More to follow.

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