Vinicius Junior will already have one eye on Tottenham star who can make waves in World Cup knock-outs

Vinicius Junior has had a fantastic World Cup for Brazil so far.

Scoring four times and providing one assist, the Real Madrid man played an integral role as Carlo Ancelotti's side progressed to the last 16 with a comeback win over Japan.

After the Ballon d'Or shouts of 2024, it has been a difficult period for the winger.

But on his day, there are not many better out on the left flank.

With this in mind, Gary Neville has suggested that there is one England man who could stop him, with Brazil among the potential opponents later in the tournament for the Three Lions.

Djed Spence has not been the first name on the teamsheet this summer, but Tottenham fans will know exactly what Neville is talking about in his assessment.

Gary Neville identifies where Djed Spence can help England most

Speaking on The Overlap, Neville, Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Jill Scott discussed England’s right-back situation after Reece James’ injury.

Keane questioned whether Spence has the quality to produce crosses and combine properly with Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side.

England are used to James offering delivery, technical quality and combination play. Spence is a very different type of full-back.

Neville backed him though, saying: “I think when Spence gets forward, he can sprint forward and he's got great energy.

“I think it's a sprint forward. I don't see the subtle passes and combinations," he added, with this backed up by his numbers last season.

In the Premier League, he created just 10 chances, registered 1.78 expected assists and had a 19.6 per cent cross success rate.

But Neville’s most interesting comment came when he looked at the other side of his game: “Spence I think, will do a very good job against a Vinicius Junior,” he added.

Defensively, the numbers are much stronger. He made 117 defensive contributions in the Premier League last term, including 44 tackles, while also recording 111 recoveries.

Alongside this, he was dribbled past just 10 times.

Does Spence have Vinicius Junior battle to look forward to?

On Monday, Brazil secured their place in the last 16 by beating Japan - England must first get past DR Congo in the round of 32.

Should the Three Lions progress, Thomas Tuchel's side would face either Mexico or Ecuador for a place in the quarter-finals.

Brazil do sit on the same bracket, meaning that a quarter-final tie against England is a genuine possibility, should they win their round of 16 clash with Norway or Cote d'Ivoire.

Spence is not guaranteed to face Vinicius, with Tuchel praying on the fitness of James.

But, his defensive ability makes him a more than suitable option to go head-to-head with the Real Madrid man if called upon.

Tottenham know all about Spence's defensive abilities, and will most definitely agree with Neville's praise.

And in no time, the fullback may just have the chance to prove him right.