SOCCER: Maligned Spence morphs into England super sub at business end of World Cup

ATLANTA — Once considered a controversial choice for England’s World Cup squad and criticized after his performance against DR Congo in the Round of 32, Djed Spence has emerged as a crucial impact substitute for the team during the decisive stages of the tournament.

Spence has impressed after being introduced late in matches, providing pace, energy and determination off the bench in England’s last-16 victory over Mexico and their quarterfinal win against Norway.

The 25-year-old defender is easily recognizable by the chin strap he wears to protect a broken jaw suffered during a late-season Premier League match with his club, Tottenham Hotspur. He has featured in all six of England’s matches at the tournament.

With England short on options at full back, the versatile defender is expected to play a role again when the team faces Argentina in Wednesday’s semifinal in Atlanta.

“Listen, I just want to make the country proud, the nation proud, my team proud, the manager proud,” Spence said after England’s quarterfinal victory over Norway in Miami.

“When I step on the pitch, I’ll give 110% for this country. I’m just grateful to do my part.”

Spence faced heavy criticism after starting at right back against DR Congo, particularly after the African side took the lead with an attack down his side of the field.

Critics who questioned England manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to leave experienced Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the squad felt their concerns had been justified, although Spence was also left exposed by defensive issues around him.

The criticism also sparked discussions about Spence’s relationship with Tuchel, with some observers pointing to the manager’s animated instructions toward the defender from the sidelines.

Another intense exchange appeared to take place when Spence was brought on in the 86th minute against Norway, but the defender dismissed any suggestion of tension between them.

“I think it’s just passion,” Spence said. “Just psyching me up to go on the pitch and cause trouble, and yeah, that’s what I did.”

Spence’s speed caused problems for a tiring Norway side in the difficult conditions, and he nearly earned England a penalty before a VAR review overturned the decision.

England eventually advanced through Jude Bellingham’s extra-time winner, but the midfielder was quick to praise Spence, fellow substitute Dan Burn and midfielder Elliot Anderson for helping the team protect their lead.

“Warriors, warriors,” Bellingham said. “It’s one thing to have quality, which all the lads in this group do, but you don’t know how much heart and mentality they have until you’re in a situation like that.”

-Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters