Former Manchester United defender backs Tottenham full-back Djed Spence to make the England squad for next year’s World Cup
Djed Spence enjoyed his breakout season at Tottenham Hotspur last term. A tough season decimated by an injury crisis led to former boss Ange Postecoglou recalling the full-back into his squad after initially freezing him out. And once he got a chance to showcase his talent in the first team, there has been no looking back.
The 25-year-old deputised well for Destiny Udogie at left-back since the start of the season. He has performed consistently under Thomas Frank thus far, showing both attacking flair and defensive solidity. His rise at White Hart Lane has been evidenced by the club tying him down to a new improved deal in August.
Djed Spence was rewarded with his first call-up to the senior England side by Thomas Frank during this international break. The full-back won his first England cap in the 5-0 demolition of Serbia in the World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening. He came on as a substitute in the second half and helped England keep a clean sheet in Serbia.
Former Manchester United defender makes interesting claim about Djed Spence
Rio Ferdinand has been impressed with Spence and has made a big claim about the Tottenham star ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
The former Manchester United defender turned podcaster feels that Spence is now the Three Lions’ best 1v1 defender and is backing him to become a part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad at the expense of the ageing Kyle Walker for the showpiece event.
Asked by Joel Beya about whether he would take Walker to the World Cup, Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel Rio Presents:
“If you’re going to play three centre backs, I would, but if you aren’t, then I wouldn’t.
“I think Djed Spence is primed and ready to take over the Kyle Walker role. He can play right and left back, and if you play right of the three, he’s so quick he can play right of the three.
“He is the number one one-versus-one defender in the England squad right now – no one comes near him.”
Spence ready to replace Walker in the England squad?
Walker has been a great servant for England, earning 96 caps since making his debut back in 2011. He is arguably the best right-back England has produced thus far. However, at 35, the Burnley man appears past his prime now and has lost a yard of pace or two.
It is perhaps the right time for England to move on from Walker, and Spence appears ready to replace him in Tuchel’s squad. Having shown his versatility to operate on both sides of defence, the Tottenham man would be an excellent wing-back option rather than being an option in a three-man backline if Tuchel decides to alter his system.
From being an outcast at Tottenham to making the England squad, it has been quite a turnaround in the full-back’s career. And it would certainly be a massive achievement if he gets picked for the World Cup squad next year.