World Cup no guarantee for Tottenham star Djed Spence despite latest England developments
Djed Spence has played his best football for Tottenham, but he still has work to do in North London.
The defender has had to work extremely hard to cement a starting place for the Premier League club, having come under fire from his former managers.
Thomas Tuchel called up Spence to his England squad in September, with Harry Kane presenting him with his first Three Lions cap.
Now, the German has named Spence in his latest squad for the upcoming international fixture, but the 25-year-old can’t rest on his laurels.
Djed Spence’s recent Tottenham performances have been below par
Spence was far from his best against Wolves, but in truth, so were a host of Thomas Frank’s floundering stars.
While Spurs’ head coach fielded the defender on the left at the start of the campaign, he has shifted him over to the right for the clashes with Brighton and Wolves.
Although the England international produced some stellar performances in the first few games of the season, things have started to unravel in recent weeks.
Against Bodo/Glimt, the full-back delivered his most concerning showing of the campaign, losing possession an abundance of times.
| Stats | Total |
| Minutes played | 82 |
| Possession lost | 15 |
| Accurate passes | 36/45 (80%) |
| Crosses (accurate) | 1 (0) |
| Long balls (accurate) | 3 (1) |
Furthermore, his passing and deliveries were seriously off-kilter, meaning that his place is now under threat.
With Destiny Udogie back to fitness, Spence simply must up his game, or his World Cup chances could be seriously hampered.
Spence will likely have increased competition for World Cup place
Tottenham’s players were understandably buzzing for Spence when he received his first international call-up, and it is a feeling he must hold onto.
While the left-back position has been something of a strength over the years, the situation is now a little different.
Alongside Spence, Myles Lewis-Skelly is the only recognised left-back included within Tuchel’s squad, but more players should be in the running come next year.
Lewis Hall enjoyed a superb season with Newcastle United last term, and if he remains fit, then he has every chance of earning a seat on the plane.
Hall’s club colleague Timo Livramento may be sidelined for the foreseeable future, but he has been terrific at right-back, while he can also play as a left-sided defender.
While his passing has come under scrutiny, Spence has also delivered some concerning defensive numbers.
- Spence has won 33 per cent of his ground duels
- He has won 45 per cent of his aerial duels
- The full-back has made 0.5 tackles per game
Although the 25-year-old has every right to feel proud after another call-up, he can’t afford to sleep on his performances for the Lilywhites.
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