Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Fri 22 May 2026 13:40, UK

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence has been praised to the high hilt by England manager Thomas Tuchel.

The full-back has come into his own at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season and has been rewarded with a place in England’s World Cup squad as a result.

Spence joined the club from Middlesbrough in 2022 and initially found things tough at Spurs.

However, he has continued to grow into a key role at the club, earning high praise from England boss Tuchel.

Thomas Tuchel picks out one key Djed Spence attribute

Since breaking into the side, the defender has been able to use his speed excellently up and down the flank, whether operating on the right or left side of defence.

In the Premier League this season, he sits as the third-fastest player, having recorded a top speed of 36.62 km/h against Wolves last month.

Ahead of the coming World Cup, Spence has been picked alongside Reece James, Tino Livramento and Nico O’Reilly in the full-back positions, with both Spence and Livramento in particular capable of playing on either side.

Speaking on the Tottenham man at his press conference on Friday, England boss Tuchel was full of praise.

“Spence loves defending,” said the German, before lauding his central attribute.

“He is the fastest player in our squad. He is a bit of a special full-back for us as he can play both sides.”

A real Swiss Army Knife at full-back for both club and country, Spence will likely not be the man starting, but his versatility is a huge asset for both Tottenham and the national team.

And Tuchel, with one reply, has shot down the many who have questioned Spence’s call-up.

What is Spence’s Tottenham future?

Ahead of the pending Tottenham rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi, Spence’s future is far from nailed down.

With Pedro Porro at right-back, it is highly unlikely that there is a long-term spot there for him, while De Zerbi has been reluctant to make use of him on the left-hand side, with Destiny Udogie starting all but one match under the Italian.

This season, the defender has made 106 recoveries, while being dribbled past 10 times.

With his pace in mind, he is a fantastic defender, though he is not exactly a nailed on starter.

Over the summer, it will be intriguing to see where De Zerbi’s priorities, and whether Spurs go into the market for a full-back, or whether Spence is able to make the spot at left back his own.