One Thomas Tuchel decision in England's win vs Croatia could change everything
Djed Spence's exciting cameo vs Croatia could see him become a key part of the England squad at the World Cup.
England defeated Croatia 4-2 in Dallas on Wednesday as they started their World Cup journey with aplomb.
Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame a tough first half to cruise past their Group L opponents in the second half.
Reece James started at right back, as expected, but moved to midfield late on after Spence’s introduction.
The Spurs defender’s impressive cameo could put him into contention to start going forward, with James now seemingly an option in midfield.
Spence was an unfancied pick in Tuchel's squad, considering Tottenham’s poor season, but the England boss clearly rates him highly.
It was easy to see why on Wednesday night, and he may well be set to oust Nico O’Reilly at left back for the Ghana clash.
Djed Spence showed his quality in short bursts against Croatia
Spence failed to register a goal contribution for Spurs last term, but showed his attacking quality on Wednesday night.
He came on for Jude Bellingham with 15 minutes to go, and very nearly made an instant impact with a lung-busting run up the pitch before being denied by Dominik Livakovic.
The 25-year-old then played a part in Marcus Rashford’s late strike by running ahead of Bukayo Saka and prodding the ball into his path to assist the former Barcelona loanee.
Spence emerged with 83 per cent pass accuracy and won the one ground duel he attempted.
Man City youngster O’Reilly, meanwhile, struggled to make an impact at left-back from a defensive standpoint as he lost four ground duels.
Numerous Croatian players got the better of him down the left-hand side, and he seemed pretty out of his depth.
Spence’s strong showing could well see him in the starting eleven for when England face Ghana, especially with James possibly set to take Rice’s place in midfield if he is injured.
What has Tuchel said about Spence?
Spence looks set to continue at left-back for Spurs next season, especially after Football Insider revealed that Liverpool want Micky van de Ven, who has been mooted to play regularly there at club level, like he does for the Netherlands.
His inclusion in the Three Lions squad ahead of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Lewis Hall drew criticism from many England fans.
They should have expected him to take a place in the squad, however, considering how much Tuchel has talked him up ahead of the World Cup.
Speaking about the 25-year-old last month, he said: “Spence loves defending. 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."
It could not be clearer that he rates him very highly, and it certainly seems feasible that Spence is handed a start next time out against Ghana after such a lacklustre defensive showing by England.