"Djed Spence Drops Face Mask in World Cup Victory Against Norway, Emerges as Unexpected England Hero"

DJED SPENCE’S fortunes are changing faster than one of his electric sprints up the pitch.

Two months ago, the full-back could barely get a game for a side that finished 17th for the second season in a row and escaped going down by the skin of their teeth.

Djed Spence has been a key player for England at the World Cup this summer Credit: Getty The full-back has appeared in every match Credit: Getty

Now has become one of ’s ‘finishers’ off the bench — and one of the cult heroes of ’s campaign.

Few who watched Spence struggle for minutes in Tottenham’s nightmare campaign would have predicted he would flourish in the States.

Yet he is fully vindicating boss Tuchel’s shock decision to select him in the first place.

The German explained Spence’s one-on-one defending and ability to play both sides was why he picked him — plus the fact he “is the fastest player in our squad”.

And Spence’s tournament top speed of 20.69mph is the quickest in the Three Lions’ camp and only bettered by Belgium’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo at 20.75mph.

The Spurs man, 25, had a difficult game when starting in as winger Brian Cipenga caused him all sorts of problems at right-back.

But in the last two knockout rounds, Spence has excelled off the bench and used all three of those qualities Tuchel cited.

He stuck to his task on the left side of a five-man — sometimes even six-man — defence at the Azteca Stadium, impressively shutting down Roberto Alvarado.

Then Spence’s rapid speed shone against Norway, charging down a goalkeeper clearance that went wide, as well as winning a penalty which was controversially overturned.

It was in extra-time of that Spence ditched the he had worn since in a Prem clash on May 19.

Sticky conditions in Florida meant the chinguard was slipping off due to sweat, so he dispensed with it.

The full-back is close to the point where he is no longer advised to wear it anyway.

He spoke after that game about the brotherhood in England’s dressing room, commenting “we would all die for each other”.

And it was notable how talisman sought out Spence to congratulate him on his cameos at full-time after Mexico and Norway.

The image of the man putting his forehead against Spence’s and holding him in solidarity is one of the abiding ones of the summer.

And it would be a surprise if Spence did not get action of some sort in tomorrow night’s semi-final against in Atlanta.

England’s first-ever Muslim player is trying to soak up every moment of this experience — often filming much of the behind-the-scenes stuff for “memories” down the line.

Spence made the decision to take his protective mask off against Norway Credit: Getty

Amusingly introduced as a “trainee reporter”, he last week if “Djed Spence is the fastest in the squad?”.

ace was not going to quibble with that claim — but he did suggest might be!

Speaking on FA show Lions’ Den, Spence summed up just how much he is relishing an opportunity many did not see coming.

He said: “I feel blessed. I just want to make history with this team and this country.

“I feel good, I feel sharp. Happy to do my part. Made the difference [against Norway] and I’m pleased.”

Yet whatever happens here in the States now with England, Spence will be going back to Tottenham facing an uncertain future.

It is doubtful he will be happy with a back-up role after his exploits here, especially if he is part of the first England team to win the World Cup in 60 years.

But Spurs boss has convinced first-choice right-back Pedro Porro — himself having a fabulous tournament — to sign a bumper new deal.

And at left-back, has been signed and will want to play, as will Italy international .

have been mooted as having an interest in signing Spence.

And you would not be surprised if more rapid change could follow for the defender when his magical tournament is over.