Former Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock has responded to Djed Spence's England selection by maintaining his position that the defender's talent was never in question.
Warnock emphasised that his previous criticisms were focused solely on behavioural issues rather than footballing ability.
"Nobody's ever doubted his ability. His ability is fantastic, he's got legs, he's quick, he can go past people, he's not bad at 1v1 defending," Warnock said.
The veteran manager stressed that his concerns were exclusively related to matters away from the pitch.
Neil Warnock coached Djed Spence at Middlesbrough, where they fell out
|PA
The 25-year-old Tottenham defender's call-up to Thomas Tuchel's squad represents a significant vindication following years of scrutiny about his professional attitude.
When pressed for specifics about the off-field issues, Warnock declined to provide details but stood firm on his assessment.
JUST IN: England players leave the field after racist abuse with game suspended twice
"It's not right to go into everything but his attitude wasn't right for me," he said.
The experienced manager revealed he had addressed these concerns directly with Spence on multiple occasions during their time together.
"Some things off the field happen which I didn't enjoy and I spoke to him about it a couple of times," Warnock said.
"I don't think he was for changing. I think he thought I was probably just barking up the tree."
Djed Spence looked a lost soul at Middlesbrough but has since rebuilt his career and is now in the England squad
|PA
The defender's path to international recognition has been marked by significant challenges and multiple loan spells.
Following his departure from Middlesbrough, Spence secured a £20million move to Tottenham in 2022, only to face immediate rejection from Antonio Conte who labelled him merely an "investment of the club".
Subsequent loans to Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa followed in quick succession.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
His 2021 loan at Nottingham Forest proved pivotal, culminating in Championship play-off glory and a pointed social media response to Warnock featuring himself with the trophy and a cigar.
"I wouldn't say I have a list (of doubters) or anything. But I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong," Spence recently stated.
Warnock acknowledged that multiple managers shared similar concerns, noting that Daniel Farke and Antonio Conte had comparable experiences. "You can't say Daniel Farke, myself and Conte were all wrong," he observed.
The transformation became apparent when Spence returned to Tottenham last season. According to Warnock, Nick Montgomery, who worked alongside Ange Postecoglou, witnessed a remarkable change in the player's approach.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Djed Spence could make his England debut over the international break
|REUTERS
"He said he looked like a changed lad and looked like he'd matured a little bit," Warnock revealed. The defender seized his opportunity when Destiny Udogie suffered an injury, establishing himself as a regular starter.
"Now, he's letting his ability do the talking and not his cigars!" Warnock concluded, acknowledging the player's professional growth.
Spence stands on the brink of making football history as potentially the first Muslim to represent England's senior team.
The Tottenham defender expressed profound emotion about this milestone ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra at Wembley.
Oh, Where’s my Manners! Welcome to Twitter @warnockofficial 😘 pic.twitter.com/uur8r2pyVr
— Djed Spence (@DjedSpence) May 29, 2022
"It's amazing. I did see it and I was surprised, really. The first ever. It's a big thing for me, my faith. It's just amazing. I don't have the words," Spence said.
The 25-year-old, whose parents hail from Jamaica and Kenya, credits his religious beliefs with sustaining him through difficult periods. "I pray a lot, I give gratitude to God. In the toughest moments of my life, the darkest moments, I've always believed that God has always been by my side."