Deeney Warns: England in Trouble if Spence Stays Beyond Congo Clash

Troy Deeney has sounded the alarm over England's defensive setup for the 2026 World Cup, specifically targeting Djed Spence as a potential weak link if Thomas Tuchel's side advance beyond their round of 32 encounter with DR Congo.

According to reporting, Spence will line up at right-back against the African nation, with Noni Madueke drafted in to replace Bukayo Saka on the wing. This selection comes after Jarell Quansah deputised in the final group game against Panama before sustaining an injury, leaving Spence and centre-back Ezri Konsa as England's only realistic options for the position.

The Liverpool striker has been forthright in his assessment of Spence's limitations, noting the defender's attacking prowess comes at a defensive cost. Speaking on talkSPORT, Deeney elaborated: "I said what I said on here before, Djed Spence going forward is great, defensively he worries me. Maybe in a game like today where he's not really going to be tested too much defensively, he can be him."

His concern intensifies when looking ahead. "Moving on in the tournament, I do worry. He's always the first to drop, and if he drops too much and plays someone on-side we're in trouble," Deeney warned, highlighting the risk of Spence's positioning errors against more demanding opposition.

Spence has featured on both flanks during the tournament so far, though Deeney has made little attempt to hide his reservations about the defender's capabilities – previously stating he "can't stand" him in a defensive context.

The debate extends beyond the back line, with Deeney taking aim at suggestions from Wayne Rooney that Kobbie Mainoo should be handed a starting berth in midfield. Deeney dismissed the notion with a pointed observation: "An ex-Man United player saying he wants a Man United player to play… couldn't make it up."

He acknowledged Mainoo's talent whilst questioning the narrative building around him. "I think Kobbie Mainoo is a decent player. I think the hype is unnecessary at this moment in time. We haven't seen it for long enough periods to say he's a definite starter. He hasn't actually had a minute in this tournament."

The midfielder remains unused so far, and is not expected to feature from the start against Congo. Whether Mainoo will receive his first tournament minutes remains uncertain, though the established midfield three of Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice – the latter returning to the fold – appears difficult to break up after impressing throughout the group stage.