Djed Spence was able to win over the English public at the World Cup after his selection drew widespread slander.
The overwhelming majority merely assumed Spence wasn't worthy of a spot. He was a part of a Spurs team that barely escaped relegation after all, and even struggled for minutes once Roberto De Zerbi came in and steadied the ship.
But Thomas Tuchel has always been a admirer of the versatile full-back, handing him his first cap last September.
It took a little while for supporters to come around, with opinions only starting to shift after England's 3-2 victory at the Estadio Azteca. Spence was one of England's heroes that evening, and he followed that with another stout display off the bench against Norway. As a result, Spence started the semi-final against Argentina over Nico O'Reilly. Few batted an eyelid because it was fully deserved.
And if England hadn't collapsed in an all too familiar fashion, then Spence's recovery challenge on Giuliano Simeone just after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring would've found itself in English football folklore for eternity. A nation celebrated as if he'd doubled their lead. Now, it's hard to recollect the moment without a swathe of poignancy washing over. What could've been, eh?
Spurs must only sell Djed Spence this summer for inflated price
It's not yet clear what exactly Spurs' plan is for Spence, but it'd seem that the club is open to offers for one of England's World Cup stars. The full-back started just two games at the tournament, yet many would argue that he was one of the Three Lions three best performers across the pond.
If that's spiked his market, Spurs must capitalise.
However, according to Italian journalist Luca Cerchione, we're only asking for €40m (£34m) amid Inter Milan interest. The Nerazzurri reportedly deem that figure excessive, having made "first contact" with Spurs over a potential deal.
If Inter aren't willing to pay what I'd regard as a generous valuation, given Spence's World Cup stock and the long-term contract he signed last season, then we should step away from the negotiating table and move on.
I wouldn't be selling Spence in the first place unless the player pushes for an exit. Inter would be an incredible move for the Englishman, who's already experienced Serie A via Genoa during his wilderness years.
Ultimately, though, Spence isn't tracking to be a starter on day one next season. He's a depth option at both full-back positions, which renders him valuable, but also means that selling him for an inflated price this summer shouldn't be off the table.
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