England fans Have Lost it With ‘Shocking’ Ace After World Cup Win vs DR Congo

England Have Lost it With ‘Shocking’ Ace After World Cup Win vs DR Congo

England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in a nervy victory in the Round of 32 at the World Cup on Wednesday.

A calamitous start saw the Three Lions fall behind when Brian Cipenga was given too much space on the left, cutting inside and beating Jordan Pickford at his near post. An inquest ensued with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham fuming at an embarrassing start at Atlanta Stadium.

Thomas Tuchel’s men started to grow into the game, and Harry Kane had an effort cleared off the line. The Congolese were dangerous on the break, and Yoane Wissa hit the post in a frenetic first half.

Controversy ensued when Kane went down in the box after Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi looked to have brought him down. The referee gave the decision to the African nation, and VAR surprisingly opted not to intervene.

England equalised in the 74th minute through Kane, whose header finally found a way past Mpasi. The Bayern Munich striker came to the fore once again and scored a stunning 86th-minute winner to send Tuchel’s side through to the Round of 16.

Tuchel’s decision not to replace Tino Livramento with Trevoh Chalobah, and not to play a right-back, came back to haunt him. Reece James’ injury forced the German to use Djed Spence, and he put in a poor display against the Congolese.

Cipenga constantly had the better of the Tottenham Hotspur man, giving him all sorts of problems with his pace and agility. He allowed the Almeria winger far too much space for the opener.

Spence’s defensive vulnerabilities were on display throughout, and he failed to link up well with Noni Madueke on the right wing. It became a real struggle for the 25-year-old, who was a surprise inclusion in the 26-man squad to begin with.

When the full-back did get forward, his deliveries into the box weren’t good enough, constantly failing to pick his man out. Tuchel made several huge calls ahead of the tournament, and snubbing Trent Alexander-Arnold is one that has contributed to an early exit.

Djed Spence vs DR Congo

Statistic: Value:

Def. contributions 5

Tackles (won) 4 (0)

Interceptions 0

Clearances 1

Blocked shots 0Recoveries 2Ground duels (won) 10 (7)Dribbled past 1

Tuchel ran out of patience with Spence and brought him off for Eberechi Eze in the 70th minute. The equaliser came just four minutes later when Eze worked the ball to Rice, who picked out Anthony Gordon.

Gordon crossed, and Kane rose highest to keep England in the World Cup. He then booked his nation a place in the last 16 against Mexico with a fantastic winner.

England Fans Slam ‘Out of Depth’ Spence

England fans made their feelings clear about Spence’s showing, and they are fuming with the Spurs man. Some are adamant that he shouldn’t be playing for his national team.

One fan wrote on X: “Spence with one of the worst performances you’ll ever see! Guy isn’t even championship level!”

Another supporter added: “Djed Spence should never be allowed to wear an England shirt again. He’s championship quality at best.”

One feels Spence isn’t good enough for the Three Lions: “Anyone been as noticeably out of their depth for us at International level than Djed Spence?”

A fellow supporter echoed this: “Never ever pick Spence again for England. His body language and effort, defending, passing have been shocking.”

One ripped into the London-born defender: “Djed Spence, get him gone. Never want to see him in an England shirt in the near future.”

Tuchel now has a decision to make over who starts at right-back against Mexico in the next round after Spence’s terrible outing. He could, and probably should, opt to use Rice in that position and start Kobbie Mainoo alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.