Djed Spence’s performance for England against Norway has highlighted exactly why Tottenham are unlikely to entertain offers for the full-back this summer.
Djed Spence was one of the surprise inclusions in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup finals, given Tottenham’s disappointing campaign.
However, the full-back has been showing exactly why he earned his call-up. While not a regular starter, Spence has consistently provided much-needed freshness and energy from the bench.
He has demonstrated those qualities throughout the tournament and did so once again as England beat Norway 2-1 to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Djed Spence impresses again for England against Norway
Spence was once again introduced from the bench, replacing Nico O’Reilly at left-back.
It proved to be an eventful 34-minute cameo from the Tottenham man as England were taken to extra time by Norway.
Spence offered both attacking threat and defensive solidity throughout his time on the pitch. Looking to get forward, he drove up the pitch on several occasions, even winning a penalty that was eventually overturned following a VAR review.
He also showed tremendous energy during the contest, charging down the Norwegian goalkeeper and almost profiting from a rebound before later forcing the goalkeeper into another save with a long-range effort.
Djed Spence’s stats show why Spurs should keep him
From his 34-minute cameo, Spence was one of the highest-rated players on the pitch, receiving a better rating than both Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, with FotMob awarding him a 7.0.
His underlying numbers from the clash show exactly why he was rated so highly, as he produced statistics comparable to several players who completed the full 90 minutes.
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Accurate passes | 12/14 (86%) |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Shot accuracy | 1/1 (100%) |
| Touches in opposition box | 3 |
| Successful dribbles | 1/1 (100%) |
| Passes into the final third | 1 |
| Defensive contributions | 7 |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Clearances | 4 |
| Headed clearances | 3 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Ground duels won | 3/4 (75%) |
| Aerial duels won | 1/1 (100%) |
Everton are understood to be interested in signing Spence. However, displays like this, despite coming from the bench, will surely do little to convince Spurs to sanction his departure this summer.
There is one problem though. Tottenham already have the best-rated right-back at the World Cup on their books in Pedro Porro, so it seems unlikely that Spence will usurp the Spaniard on the right side.
On the left, Spence will have to fight not only Destiny Udogie, but Andy Robertson too. Either way, that kind of competition is exactly what Spurs want and need, and selling Spence now would feel like a big mistake.