Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane has rightly taken most of the plaudits during England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals, but now there is a new name on everyone’s lips: Djed Spence.
Bellingham scored twice on Saturday night to guide the Three Lions to victory over Norway, notching both goals in a 2-1 win.
It was the the second game running that Bellingham had bagged a brace, having also hit the back of the net twice against Mexico in the last-16 stage.
But in both games, Spence came off the bench to produce a hugely eye-catching cameos to help close out titanic results.
Against Norway, Spence replaced Nico O’Reilly in the 86th minute and saw out the whole of extra time.
Spence closed the goalkeeper down to almost force a late winner in normal time and then won a penalty with a superb run into the box, only for VAR to overturn the decision.
Writing about Spence in his player ratings, Standard Sport’s Dom Smith gave the England and Tottenham defender a grade of 8/10: A very good display off the bench from him.
“Even though the penalty call was overturned, his wonderful run saw him win a spot-kick in extra time, or at least think he had.
“And he forced a fine save in extra time. A problem Norway couldn’t deal with.”
The tide of opinion on Spence is clearly turning, after he had faced criticism for his display against DR Congo. He has not started either of the two games since, but has come off the bench to produce important contributions.
And Spence’s fanbase on social media is growing.
This has been a phenomenal substitute appearance from Djed Spence. I have never seen anything like it, especially from him
— Dom Smith (@MrDomSmith) July 11, 2026
I will both fund and visit the Djed Spence statue for the rest of my life
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) July 11, 2026
DJED SPENCE - respect
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 11, 2026
People need to put some respect on his name! #fifaworldcup #fifaworldcup2026
Djed spence btw. My man of the match and he wasn’t even on the pitch for long. Outstanding cameo!
— Saeed TV (@SaeedTV_) July 11, 2026
This Djed Spence cameo will be taught in schools
— Billie (@Billie_T) July 11, 2026
Djed Spence with one of the greatest defensive World Cup cameos you'll ever see.
— (fan) Frank 🧠🇾🇪 (@FrankEra_) July 11, 2026
Djed Spence is still running
— Max Rushden 💛🖤 (@maxrushden) July 12, 2026
Djed Spence cult hero
— Will (@willne) July 11, 2026
Spence will now be pushing to start against Argentina in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final.
