Djed Spence produced a 2026 World Cup beyond anyone's expectations, playing elite defense on either flank whenever and wherever England national team manager Thomas Tuchel called upon the Tottenham Hotspur backup.
Criticized heavily before the tournament for his inclusion in the squad over Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold, Spence proved that Trent's omission was not necessarily a sign that his own inclusion was a mistake.
His defensive work and intensity in the wins over Norway and Mexico were crucial to England get over the line, and he was always willing to put his body on the line to make blocks and clearances while buying his team valuable time on the ball with his runs forward.
Djed Spence has that fighting spirit
Although England fell short to Argentina and blew the game 2-1 to Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernandez, and Lautaro Martinez with awful defending in the end and a cowardly style of football that even Thomas Frank would cringe at, Djed Spence cannot be criticized at all.
Spence was fabulous, especially when England were tied and winning. He had five tackles and two interceptions, clearly leading all players on both teams in terms of defensive interventions despite going one on one with Lionel Messi for much of the match.
He did not fear Messi at all. He got in his face and played smart, yet he did not make any rash challenges or take himself out. The one time Spence did give Messi a cushion, the Barcelona legend punished him with a perfect right footed cross to Lautaro, but Spence cannot be faulted there since he got nicked after barely poking the ball from the No. 10 with another vital tackle.
As Tottenham Hotspur contemplate selling Spence and Inter Milan increase their interest in a possible Denzel Dumfries (now at Real Madrid) replacement this summer, they have come to an obvious conclusion that Spence is a player their squad needs in a tough Premier League and in tough games.
Spurs had a lot of guys who did not have high character or intensity, and Roberto De Zerbi has been changing that by signing fighters like Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Martin Dubravka, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali. He is bringing in guys who are willing and able to put the team first, and Spence is the epitome of that.
Tottenham are going to have to get a massive offer they would be crazy to refuse in order to sell Spence, because even in defeat, he showed he is someone Spurs can 100 percent use in 2026/27.
Today's best reads
The Athletic confirmed what Tottenham fans suspected about Djed Spence's future
Fabrizio Romano forced Tottenham to rethink everything about Djed Spence
Fabrizio Romano confirmed what Tottenham fans suspected about Djed Spence
Djed Spence confirmed what Tottenham fans knew about his attitude
Rio Ferdinand said what Tottenham fans have been insisting about Djed Spence