Why Djed Spence's impressive World Cup may not be good for Tottenham | OneFootball

England’s newest ‘cult hero’ could be making Roberto De Zerbi’s summer more complicated

When Thomas Tuchel sat down with the media at Wembley Stadium in May to explain his 26-man World Cup squad selections, he spoke of players who “know their role” and are “ready to buy into their role” as he fielded questions about the exclusions of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Tuchel was clear that “teams win championships,” and it was this collective, rather than individualistic, spirit that he was trying to foster. For too long, England had prioritised the strength of the players over the harmony of the squad.

The England manager did not want players sitting on the bench, mulling over whether they deserved a starting berth and creating unnecessary noise in the lead-up to games. The focus had to be on the team and the strictly defined roles Tuchel had set out for each player.

England’s tournament has not been without talking points. But it is no coincidence that since the World Cup has got underway, and Jude Bellingham has firmly defied his critics, Tuchel’s selection decisions have rarely been called into question.

Djed Spence at the World Cup

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The German’s substitutions have largely worked wonders, with each player coming in and playing their part as England have produced a gutsy drive towards the World Cup semi-finals and a showdown with Argentina.

Tuchel has said that this World Cup will be won in moments, and while Bellingham and Harry Kane have provided crucial reminders of their world-class talents in the final third, it is Tottenham full-back Djed Spence who the head coach has consistently turned to when looking to close out games.

Spence’s energy and pace off the bench have reinvigorated England, while his versatility gives Tuchel options.

It was from right-back that Spence’s deep runs beyond the last line of attack helped create the opening from which Marcus Rashford sealed a 4-2 win in their opening game against Croatia.

Spence was then brought on at left-back against Mexico, with England down to 10 men, to help defend against a barrage of inswinging crosses as Tuchel’s men held on for a remarkable 3-2 victory at the Estadio Azteca.

While the likes of Kobbie Mainoo has yet to play a single minute so far this tournament, Tuchel has time and again looked to Spence, and his display in the quarter-finals against Norway only served to underline his growing importance to the side.

Djed Spence playing for Tottenham

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The 25-year-old set the tone for England as they wrestled back control of the game late on before striking the winning goal three minutes into extra time through Bellingham.

Spence’s persistent running nearly forced Norwegian goalkeeper Orjan Nyland into a mistake inside his own area, while he thought his determination and cunning had won England a penalty before VAR intervened.

After a difficult season domestically with Spurs, the World Cup has transformed Spence’s reputation.

Interest in the former Middlesbrough full-back is reported to be growing, and while Roberto De Zerbi likes Spence, there are no guarantees that he will get the playing time he is after.

A fully-fit Destiny Udogie is likely to remain Spurs’ first-choice left-back, while summer signing Andy Robertson has been brought in to provide cover.

On the right, Pedro Porro, who recently signed a new bumper five-year contract, will be De Zerbi’s go-to option and for Spence, there does not seem to be any room for him outside of a supporting role.

Spence’s performances at the World Cup may well have changed De Zerbi’s thinking, and the clamour for him to stay has grown exponentially.

Ultimately, though, a good World Cup has not necessarily been a good thing for Spurs, and Spence will be aware of his options heading into next season.