Djed Spence is the ‘surprise’ choice, expert drops ‘huge’ verdict on Tottenham star
Thomas Tuchel has a lot of big decisions to make in the wake of England’s latest successful international break despite criticism of his squad selection.
The decision to exclude the likes of Jude Bellingham, Adam Wharton and Jack Grealish raised eyebrows, but wins against Latvia and Wales have eased any concerns.
One player who was named in the squad, and has now given Tuchel a big decision to make, is Djed Spence thanks to his early-season form for Tottenham.
The full-back, who became the first Muslim player to represent England on his debut against Serbia in September, started both games and hugely impressed.
Spence signed a new long-term contract at Tottenham in August, and is now going a long way to establishing himself as a regular for both club and country.
Djed Spence gives Thomas Tuchel ‘huge’ decision to make
Spence’s role in the squad during the October international break has given Tuchel a decision to make with regard to his full-back options ahead of the World Cup.
The Tottenham star has now established himself as a major option for the left-back position after displays in the against 3-0 win against Wales and 5-0 win against Latvia.
That is according to former Tottenham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that given the lack of options in the position, Spence is a front-runner for the World Cup squad.
“I think Tuchel still has some huge decisions to make,” he told Football Insider.
“There are still a few issues which need to be addressed in this England squad, and the first question is, if the World Cup started tomorrow, who are the full-backs going to be?
“That’s been a major concern, both at right-back and left-back, and it’s something Tuchel must decide.
“At right-back, it seems like it’s going to be Reece James, but with his injuries you never know.
“Tino Livramento did himself no end of favours when he was in the squad, everybody knows he can play on the right or the left and do a good job.
“But Spence has emerged as a surprise contender and done really well, he’s a very impressive player, likes to get forward and he’s solid defensively too.
“Again, the fact he can play both on the left and the right which is always a bonus, and during the break he did everything that was asked of him and he can do no more than that.
“So he’s got to be one of the leading contenders to go to the World Cup after those performances, especially given the concerns we have in his position.”
The Spurs full-back has impressed many with his performances for club and country this season, with Peter Crouch having been blown away by Spence’s displays.
England problem position emerges amid new ‘concern’
The full-back areas, particularly at left-back, have been a long-term concern for England and Tuchel is being urged to make a firm decision about his squad.
Both Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell had featured heavily there, as well as Kieran Trippier, but all three have declined in their performances in recent years, raising questions.
Spence is now seen as a leading contender for the left-back spot, alongside Newcastle star Livramento, but both are naturally right-sided despite their versatility.
Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell has been tipped for a recall as a natural left-footer, having last featured for his country in 2022, but is considered unlikely.
Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly is the other leading candidate, given Tuchel’s recent praise for him, but his lack of starts for the Gunners this season have raised further concern.
For more England and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.