Tottenham defender Djed Spence just made a thoroughly deserved England debut. It was only fitting that Spurs and Three Lions legend Harry Kane presented him with his legacy cap, too.
On Tuesday night, Thomas Tuchel’s England side delivered an emphatic performance to win 5-0 away at Serbia in a World Cup qualifier.
It was an extra special fixture for Spurs star Djed Spence, making his senior England debut.
Spence uploaded an emotional post after his England debut, describing it as the best day of his life.
The 25-year-old defender has had plenty of ups and downs in his career so far, but he now finds himself in such an exciting place. On top of an England debut, he’s emerging as a key figure in the Spurs team under Thomas Frank.
Harry Kane message to Djed Spence inside England dressing room
England shared footage on X from inside the Three Lions dressing room after their away victory against Serbia. In the video, captain Harry Kane said some extremely heartfelt words on Spence before presenting him with his legacy cap, which commemorates England debuts.
Kane said: “We had a new debut today. I asked to do this because I saw this player three, four years ago at Tottenham and he had to go through a lot. He had to keep his head up. He had to work hard. And now he’s an England player. So he fully deserves this. I’m a little bit emotional because I know how much it takes to get here. I saw what it was like when it was tough for you. So credit to you, your family, everyone involved. You deserve this one.”
Spence, who can play either full-back position, replaced Reece James at right-back against Serbia for his debut.
| Minutes played | Accurate passes | Touches | Clearances | Dribbled past | Match rating |
| 21 | 11/14 (79%) | 19 | 1 | 0 | 6.2 |
Even though he didn’t get too long to show his quality, it’s an important step that Tuchel used him. Hopefully, he can be back in the England camp for October’s international break
Can Djed Spence break into England XI?
The main aim for Spence should be to get on the plane for England at the 2026 World Cup. Afterwards, can he force his way into the starting line-up?
We know that the versatile defender shines as a right-back or left-back, so we’re intrigued to see where he plays the majority of his football this season at club level.
The early signs are that Spurs boss Frank will use Spence at left-back. We think that could be his best route into England’s XI, too. It feels like Chelsea’s James will start under Tuchel if fit, but the left-back spot is a bit more up in the air.
Rio Ferdinand rates Spence as the best 1v1 defender in the England squad, which could be so vital if you go deep into a major tournament.
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