Roberto De Zerbi will surely have Tottenham rethink as 'phenomenal' Djed Spence wows vs Kylian Mbappe

Only a couple of months ago not many Tottenham Hotspur fans would be disappointed if Djed Spence were to be sold.

Now, though, the situation has changed really quite markedly in just a matter of weeks.

There were a few rumbles of discontent from fans and pundits alike when Spence, 25, was selected in Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad.

But the versatile full-back has quietened any discontent in emphatic fashion, and ends the World Cup as one of the Three Lions' most consistent performers.

There was time for one last impressive performance, as England defeated France 6-4 in an enthralling bronze-medal match in Miami on Saturday.

And the national media waxed lyrical again over the performance of Spence, who has been linked with the Tottenham exit door.

What did the national media say about Djed Spence's England performance?

Tottenham News has covered the performances of Spurs ace Spence throughout the World Cup.

Against France, Spence did a particularly fine job of helping to shackle France superstar Kylian Mbappe, using his pace to make a series of brilliant recoveries.

The London Evening Standard scored Spence an 8/10, and wrote: "Put in another phenomenal shift to complete his full World Cup transformation. 

"Made plenty of tackles and was always positive in his movement with the ball to try and carry England up the pitch."

The Mirror went with a 7/10, opining: "A beautiful moment when he chased down Mbappe. Came undone in the second half."

The Mail also scored Spence a 7/10 in their player ratings.

In total, Spence won three of five attempted tackles against France, and made one interception.

Impressively, he won 10 of the 15 ground duels he faced, while finishing with three recoveries, and as many clearances.

And Spence also finished the game with one last-man tackle, made against Mbappe in the first half.

Going forward, Spence completed three of his four attempted dribbles, and also won the penalty from which Bukayo Saka scored his hat-trick, tying Malo Gusto in knots.

He had 15 carries, four of which were progressive carries, and gained his side 102.6 metres in total.

De Zerbi has to give Spence a chance at Tottenham

Spence has been linked with the Tottenham exit door throughout the summer.

But the way he performed against Mbappe, particularly in the first half, means Roberto De Zerbi must surely be having a rethink.

His speed and ability to recover situations could be absolutely crucial to the way he wants to get the ball back quick at start breaks.

He is a really solid one-on-one defender, and playing a team that will look to dominate possession, he could be an extremely valuable asset.