Since Ashley Cole's international retirement in 2014, England have deployed a staggering 29 different players at left-back or left wing-back, a list that includes natural defenders, midfielders, and even forwards. The revolving door reflects a persistent dilemma for the national team, with solutions ranging from promising to desperate over the past 11 years.
Now, Tottenham's Djed Spence is the latest to step into the breach. The 25-year-old has transformed from a Spurs outcast to an England call-up in under nine months, following impressive displays in the club's Bigger Vase triumph and a strong pre-season where he neutralised Bukayo Saka and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. His confidence is high after a brilliant start under Thomas Frank, and he recently taunted opponents on social media with the post: 'Bring me your favourite winger.'
Spence's journey has not been smooth. His 2022 move to Tottenham was overshadowed by then-manager Antonio Conte's comments that Spence was 'an investment of the club,' which the player admitted 'shattered his confidence.' Speaking in his new England kit, Spence recalled: 'I was on such a high... to hear comments like that wasn’t nice. I almost came crashing down.'
Now, Spence has regained his mojo, stating earlier this year that he has yet to face a winger who truly tested him. His resurgence offers a fresh option for England manager Thomas Tuchel, though questions remain about his consistency at international level.
