Djed Spence finally gets his flowers as English media react to Tottenham star after Mexico triumph
Djed Spence may finally be getting the credit he deserves after the Tottenham star played an important role in England's win against Mexico.
The Three Lions rallied together to beat El Tri 3-2 at the feared Estadio Azteca on Monday, advancing to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel's side will now play Norway in the next stage of the tournament, with his right-back dilemma now surely cleared up.
Spence was nursing an injury heading into the clash, and so the England boss gave Jarrel Quansah the nod to start in his place, but the former Liverpool man saw red after a reckless challenge before the hour mark.
Now, Tuchel may see Tottenham's divisive star as his only option to start in the position, with Reece James currently sidelined due to a hamstring issue.
Spence hasn't been the biggest favourite of the English media through this tournament, but he's certainly done himself a favour with his performance against Mexico.
How the English media reacted to Djed Spence's performance
Spence came on for Nico O'Reilly in the 75th minute and went on to make a 15-minute cameo that won't be forgotten soon.
The Spurs star only had 12 touches, but was sure to make each and every one count.
The 25-year-old completed the game with a 67 per cent passing accuracy, but it was his defensive work that impressed, making five clearances, one crucial interception, and winning 50 per cent of his aerial duels.
Spence had a zero per cent long ball accuracy, but at that stage of the game, England only cared about getting play away from their own box, as the Three Lions made 37 clearances in total in the second half.
The Daily Mail gave the former Nottingham Forest man a 7/10 rating, while The Standard handed him a 6/10, praising the defender for making multiple "important" tackles late on.
Shearer said: "The subs have worked well up to now. Burn has done his job, [John] Stones has, Spence has. Desperate at times, but you've got to do it, and they are doing it well."
But there was one moment in particular where most of the nation may have changed their stance on Spence.
Spence wore his heart on his sleeve with one slide tackle
Spence has now made his tenth appearance for England this year, and fifth at the World Cup.
Though he only gained a 6.4 FotMob rating, the ugly part of the game that he did so well was never going to be pretty, but it was effective, and that's all that mattered.
As seen on the post highlighted on X above, Spence made one crucial slide tackle intervention after the 83rd minute to ensure Mexico didn't have a shot on goal in a dangerous position.
England had to ride their luck after going down to 10 men in the second half, as the hosts controlled with 72 per cent possession.
That's why Spence, among the other defenders, deserve all the flowers they get for putting in a heroic performance.