Djed Spence produced an excellent substitute appearance as England defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Jude Bellingham scored both England goals in a demanding quarter-final played in the intense Miami heat, responding after Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead during the first half.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Spence played an important role in helping Thomas Tuchel’s team secure their first World Cup semi-final appearance since 2018. Spence was introduced four minutes before the end of normal time, replacing Nico O’Reilly at left-back with the score level at 1-1.
The change provided England with fresh energy and athleticism on the flank at a stage when both teams were beginning to feel the physical effects of the conditions.
Bellingham then put England ahead shortly after extra time began, reacting quickest after Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland failed to deal cleanly with the danger.
The full-back appeared to have won England a penalty following a brilliant individual run into the Norway area. Spence accelerated beyond his opponent before going to ground under a challenge, only for the original decision to be overturned following a VAR review.
Spence later tried his luck with an ambitious long-range strike, forcing Nyland into the first save of an impressive double stop. It was an effort that demonstrated the confidence with which the Tottenham defender approached such an important stage of the match.
His contribution wasn’t just in the attacking phase. Spence also made a vital defensive clearance during the closing seconds as Norway pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
That intervention helped England survive the final period of pressure and confirmed their place among the final four teams in the competition. It completed a highly effective cameo in which Spence influenced the contest at both ends of the pitch.
Although he has not always started, his speed, versatility and direct running have given Tuchel a valuable option from the bench.
The semi-final will now carry a fascinating Tottenham subplot, with England facing defending champions Argentina after Lionel Scaloni’s side defeated Switzerland 3-1 following extra time. Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez struck during the additional period to secure Argentina’s progression after the quarter-final had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Spence will therefore come up against Spurs team-mates Cristian Romero and Marcos Senesi, who are both part of the Argentina squad.
Senesi officially joined Tottenham at the beginning of July after completing a free transfer from Bournemouth, while Romero has already played a major role in Argentina’s tournament. The centre-back scored during their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the previous round.
At least one member of the club’s squad will be represented in the World Cup final, but Spence will be determined to ensure it is England who progress.
