Djed Spence is still alive in the World Cup after England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta.
The Tottenham defender started at right-back as Thomas Tuchel’s side survived a major scare, with Harry Kane scoring twice late on after Brian Cipenga had put DR Congo ahead inside seven minutes.
England’s official site recorded Kane’s two goals in 11 minutes as England set up a last-16 tie with Mexico. Sky Sports also described the match as a comeback win after Cipenga’s early opener.
For Tottenham, it was not a clean confidence boost. It was a useful tournament stress test for Spence before Roberto De Zerbi gets him back into pre-season work.
Spence Gives Tottenham A Mixed England Reminder
Spence has now featured throughout England’s World Cup run. Tottenham’s last-32 guide listed him for the DR Congo tie after involvement in the group stage.
The right-back offered energy going forward, but England’s defensive start was messy. The Guardian’s player ratings marked Spence down after a difficult opening phase, while still noting flashes in attack.
That is the Tottenham lesson. Spence has the pace and confidence to stretch games, but De Zerbi will need more detail around his positioning when the back line is dragged across.
The mask context matters too. talkSPORT reported that Spence has been wearing facial protection because of a broken jaw suffered while playing for Tottenham late last season.
That does not wipe away the defensive concerns, but it should shape how Spurs read the performance.
England moved on because Kane rescued the tie. Tottenham should look at the smaller details: Spence’s recovery runs, back-post awareness and comfort when the right side becomes chaotic.
Read Tottenham has already covered how Spence’s mask situation gives De Zerbi another World Cup fitness question. The DR Congo match added a sharper football layer.
Spence remains in the tournament. Tottenham now have another clear piece of evidence for what still needs work.
