Does England owe Djed Spence an apology? Redemption shines despite Argentina heartbreak | OneFootball

English football fandom and its media have a curious relationship with the protagonists of the game.

Almost every side in football features one name singled out for added criticism or scapegoat status, with it perhaps more prominent than even during major tournaments withEngland.

The fall-out from England's agonising exit to Argentina in the 2026World Cup semi-finals will roll on throughout the coming days, a devastating defeat snatched from the jaws of victory.

However, hidden amid the disappointment of England's elimination has been a redemption tale, one that reached a new high even in defeat.

Djed Spence has faced more criticism than most since Thomas Tuchel first named his squad, but the 25-year-old was England's standout against Argentina.

Spence was selected despite a nightmare season forTottenham Hotspur, in which the North Londoners finished 17th in the Premier League and narrowly avoided relegation. He failed to score or assist a single goal, with his inclusion over Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, and Lewis Hall bemusing many. As a result, Spence was under the microscope from the start.

He's taken that in his stride. Impressive cameos from the bench earned Spence inclusion from the start against Argentina, in arguably England's biggest fixture for 60 years.

Spence lacks some of the qualities of those left behind this summer, but Thomas Tuchel knew what he good provide.

It's too often forgotten that football can be about horses for courses. Dan Burn fit into a similar bracket and excelled in the backs-to-the-wall defending against Mexico in the last 16. The giant Geordie a magnet for balls into the box, the perfect profile for that in-game situation.

For Spence, a fine athlete and dueller, this was the task.

Against Argentina, he was England's best performer. Positive in his dribbling going forward, Spence offered the outlet to allow Anthony Gordon to drift inside.

At the other end, he was tenacious, none more so than in a recovery challenge to stop Giuliano Simeone. The son of former England nemesis Diego looked certain to score until Spence arrived late on the slide.

It was a magnificent challenge, and more than that, brave.

England has a long history of vilifying players responsible forWorld Cup exits and, if mistimed, Spence could have joined that long list. Instead, it was executed to perfection and roared just as loud as Gordon's goal.

Spence started England's tournament under more scrutiny than most. It continued throughout. One look at social media when Thomas Tuchel named his semi-final lineup showed the doubters had not been won over. However, even in defeat, Spence looks to have addressed that now.

It will matter little to the defender, whose dream of World Cup success is over. But, there's an argument, that England owes Spence an apology.