Thomas Tuchel spotted in furious exchange with England player that has saved their World Cup

Cameras spotted Thomas Tuchel furiously screaming at one of his England players ahead of a decision that changed everything.

England arrived at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia as heavy favourites to make it to the 2026 World Cup round of 16 as they faced DR Congo in their first knockout match.

However, the Three Lions were shocked as the African side took an early lead just seven minutes into the game thanks to forward Brian Cipenga.

England continued to create chances throughout the match, but a stellar performance from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi frustrated the Three Lions

And, as has been the case on several occasions already this summer, when England needed him, captain Harry Kane stepped up with goals in the 75th and 86th minutes to win the match 2-1.

But, it wasn't just Kane's spectacular finish to the match that may have won the game for England, as manager Tuchel made a decisive call minutes before the first goal that may have kept England's dreams alive.

Just after the hour mark, the England boss was seen on camera furiously shouting at defender Djed Spence, who started a right-back after injuries to both Reece James and Jarell Quansah.

Spence has struggled so far at the World Cup this summer, and it wasn't just Tuchel waving his hands around and screaming at the Spurs star.

"What was Tuchel really expecting from Djed Spence seriously?" one fan asked on X.

Adding: "Defensively he's a liability, and terrible going forward."

While another wrote: "Hopefully that’s the end of the Djed Spence experiment for England, nothing against the lad but he’s not an international player..Can’t be starting against better teams."

England's win over DR Congo defined by one moment

Just 10 minutes after his angry outburst aimed at Spence, Tuchel made a decision that may have won them the match as he decided to take the defender off to bring on Arsenal's Eberechi Eze.

READ MORE: England player ratings after DR Congo win with three 4/10s and one 10/10

Tuchel moved Declan Rice to right back to allow Eze to help contribute to England's attack and just four minutes later Kane found the equaliser.

Not long after Kane doubled England's total to win the match, and although Eze wasn't directly involved in either goal, his energy was vital to England's strong finish to the game.

The goals mean that England will now face Mexico in a round of 16 match at 1am BST on Monday, July 6 at the Azteca.

And there's no doubt that ahead of the match, questions will be asked about giving Eze his first start at the 2026 World Cup, with Rice filling in at right-back if James and Quansah remain out injured.