Once again, Tottenham Hotspur fullback Djed Spence did not start for the England national team, but he did not need to in order to play his best football. After making several decisive clearances in the Round of 16 to help the Three Lions survive the onslaught from home team Mexico, Spence came in off the bench and delivered exactly the defensive performance England needed him to.
The Tottenham backup made his way onto the pitch for Thomas Tuchel's side at 85 minutes, and in just around 40 minutes of total action, the experienced fullback made three defensive interventions and four clearances, owning the box and sweeping up when needed to keep Erling Haaland and Norway off the score sheet while Jude Bellingham provided more of the offensive goods to keep England ticking over into the semifinals where they will face Argentina.
On offense, Spence looked more sprightly than usual and even downright dangerous. He got into great goal scoring positions twice off the back of his own work as a dribbler, unafraid to make maurauding runs into the box that caught Norway's defense completely off balance.
Djed Spence is ready to fight
As Djed Spence enters his first full season under Roberto De Zerbi, his World Cup performances have caught the eye of some other notable clubs in England, with Everton potentially weighing up a move for the 25 year old after the 2026 World Cup tournament ends.
But in the meantime, Spence is staking a more direct claim to De Zerbi and Spurs over his role next season. Tottenham now have three true left backs in Souza, Andy Robertson, and, of course, the incumbent starter and De Zerbi's favorite, Italian international Destiny Udogie. And we all know the starting right back job is locked down by Pedro Porro, who is having an even more impressive World Cup for Spain than Spence is for England.
Spence, though, has impressed. Once an afterthought and heavily criticized for Thomas Tuchel taking him over Real Madrid - and former Liverpool - star Trent Alexander-Arnold, Spence has shown that he belongs in the England squad with his grit and work rate.
He is sending a message to Roberto De Zerbi that just like for England this summer, he has a place in the Spurs side, even if it is only in a bench role spelling Destiny Udogie or Pedro Porro on either flank. But he is saying that he has the versatility, intensity, and defensive quality to help win big games for Spurs and get them over the line when they need it.
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