Djed Spence: From Disappointment to Selection for England
Stade Rennais supporters probably had to check twice to be sure. For the two qualifying matches at the 2026 World Cup , Thomas Tuchel summoned Djed Spence, the Tottenham side who has been following his very good performances over the past year. This call-up marks a significant turnaround for the talented defender, especially when you consider his six-month stint in Brittany . Between January and May 2023, Spence made only 10 appearances across all competitions (8 in Ligue 1 and 2 in the Europa League), and his performances rarely managed to impress. Arriving on loan before making a swift exit, the Englishman’s time in France was notably unmemorable . Fast forward two years, he is now a vital player for one of the best selections in the world.
His recruitment to Rennes initially surprised many. At 23 , and despite already playing more than 100 games with Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest , his arrival felt unexpected. The recruitment had been somewhat forced as injuries plagued the team, particularly affecting Captain Hamari Traoré and his deputy Lorenz Assignon . It’s likely that being thrown into the deep end too quickly contributed to his struggles. In his debut match, though Rennes lost to LOSC , flashes of promise were evident before everything quickly fell apart. By mid-March, with Traoré back in the lineup, Spence found his place in the team diminishing.
Too Many Gaps in Rennes
While Djed Spence possesses undeniable qualities— speed , exceptional technique , and a willingness to push forward—he also displayed significant defensive vulnerabilities . He faced criticism for placement issues and concentration errors . Coach Bruno Genesio defended Spence, stating, “It is not easy for him to arrive like that, in a club that he does not know, not to mention the language. He has already made a lot of progress in his tactical adaptation at the defensive level. Where he must now improve is on the reading of certain situations and his focus during defensive phases.” Unfortunately for Spence, injuries, particularly to his knee, sidelined him for the final two months of his Rennes spell.
Upon returning to Tottenham, who had invested €20 million for him, Spence embarked on a loan journey to Leeds in the Championship. However, his adventure started poorly due to another knee injury that saw him miss three months. Upon returning to action in December, he found himself positioned as a left-sided player despite being right-footed , and surprisingly, the move worked. Unfortunately, after just a brief period, Leeds opted to return him to Spurs due to reported behavioral issues, marking the start of another chapter at Genoa in Serie A.
Repositioning as a Versatile Defender
While at Genoa, Spence had the opportunity to showcase his versatility , being utilized in various positions such as right back, left back, and even as a more advanced player. Under the guidance of coach Alberto Gilardino , he evolved into a crucial squad member, with Gilardino hoping to secure his services permanently the following summer. However, Genoa couldn’t muster the necessary funds to activate the €10 million purchase option. Back at Spurs, despite a replacement role, Spence’s adaptability earned him opportunities that others lacked. He extended his contract until 2028 , further solidifying his place within the club.
After minimal appearances during the season’s early days, everything transformed during a 5-0 victory over Southampton . Seizing the moment, Spence delivered a remarkable performance, contributing with a decisive assist . Subsequently, he started in 12 of the next 13 games, showcasing his versatility on both sides of the field. Coach PostCoglou noted, “We wanted to give Djed his chances. We knew that he was capable, but it was up to him to seize the opportunities. He could easily have felt frustrated when he didn’t play much, but his attitude has shown real personal progress.”
Making History with England
Under the management of PostCoglou, Spence has also retained his position even when he stood on the fringes of Europa League victory. Following the transition to coach Thomas Franck , his confidence remained intact, with Spence performing consistently. He has already logged significant minutes this season, standing out with performances against PSG in the European Super Cup and Manchester City in the Premier League. He appears settled at left-back while awaiting the return of his colleague Udogi . His selection for the national team by Thomas Tuchel represents a noteworthy progression, signaling the recognition of his talents.
Thomas Tuchel recently justified Spence’s selection, stating, “He has faced many quality players but managed to manage the situation impressively, continuing on his momentum.” At 25 , Spence has reached an exciting juncture in his career, all while never doubting his capabilities despite outside criticism. As he prepares to potentially become the first Muslim player to represent the Three Lions , his journey serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles.