Djed Spence came off the bench in England's World Cup opener and only added to an impressive final showing from Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions.
Tottenham fans knew about the blistering pace he could offer, particularly in advanced positions, but this is a lesson that England fans are just learning. What better place to learn it than the World Cup?
Djed Spence brought even more heat to Dallas
He was brought off the bench and played the final 10 minutes. England were playing some of the best football that fans have seen in a very long time, so it would have been easy for Spence hide away in the shadows of greatness. Instead, though, he faced the Dallas sunshine and really made a name for himself.
Despite only making 11 touches, Spence recorded an impressive 0.54 xG (expected goals), and he would have surely bagged a goal had it not been for Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who was more than impressive on the night.
- Minutes played - 10
- Goals - 0
- Assists - 0
- Expected goals (xG) - 0.54
- Accurate passes - 5/6 (83%)
Djed Spence has not played consistent football for a while. After the last international break, Spence was used on the odd occasion for Spurs, but not much to write home about.
Therefore, a section of England fans criticised the decision to call him up to the roster. To those doubters, though, Spence sent a crystal clear message.
Djed Spence could play even more for England
Although the left-back spot will be primarily taken by Nico O'Reilly, there is every opportunity that Djed Spence could get some more minutes. Heck, he might even start for England if they secure top spot in the groups by their next game.
That would be awesome for Tottenham. They don't have a great showing in the England lineup, but Spence is certainly one of their brightest sparks.
Tuchel made it obvious that he isn't afraid to play attacking football. It would be very easy for him to set up defensively, but his full-backs operated in advanced positions last night, which is a sign of exciting things to come.
Spence is one of the fastest players in the world. He might not start, but that is the best trait any full back can bring, especially against tired legs.
England is quite clearly setting up with pace on the flanks in mind. It's become somewhat of a dying art in modern football, with wide players opting to cut inside. However, Spence is more than capable of running at his opposing number, and he won't shy away from one-on-one attacking positions, either.
Spence looks set to have an incredible World Cup. The squad is just as important as the starting lineup, and with Tuchel being an excellent strategist in managing tournament football, he's bound to call on the rapid Spence more often in the coming matches.
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