Tottenham Hotspur boast a strong connection with the English national team. Harry Kane, one of the Lilywhites’ greatest players of all time, is the captain and record scorer for the men’s team, after all.
But it’s a bond which runs far deeper than through just one person. In fact, no side in history has supplied more ammunition for the Three Lions than Spurs, with 81 first-team players having worn the white shirt on the international stage across the years.
Tottenham
1052
81
Aston Villa
481
79
Corinthian FC
254
76
Liverpool
1214
75
Arsenal
980
74
And Thomas Frank’s current crop of Tottenham talents continue to shine for the home nation, with Djed Spence the latest to earn his flowers for the side.
Djed Spence's Three Lions performance
Spence has earned rave reviews for his recent England performance, starring from left-back as Thomas Tuchel’s team defeated Wales 3-0 in a friendly.
Storming up and down the left flank, the 25-year-old continued to strengthen what has been a significant revival over the past year or so, having beforehand looked apt to drift away from Tottenham contention and shelved in a dusty file.
But this couldn’t be further from Spence’s truth, having started five Premier League matches already this term after proving invaluable for Ange Postecoglou’s struggling side in 2024/25.
As per FBref, the versatile defender ranks among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons and the top 15% for progressive passes per 90, emphasising his technical and athletic qualities.
Spence is a testament to hard work and a never-say-die attitude, but he’s not the biggest English talent at Frank’s disposal.
Indeed, there’s a rising star down N17 who has the skills to become a mainstay for his country.
Spurs have an even bigger English talent
The man in question is Archie Gray, who Tottenham fought tooth and nail to prise away from Brentford and sign for about £30m in July 2024. He left his boyhood club Leeds United in the Championship, having won the second tier’s Young Player of the Year award. He was 18 years old.
It certainly wasn’t all sunshines and rainbows for Tottenham last term, but the young Gray played admirably across the campaign, especially since he, a natural midfielder, was required to fill in at centre-half on more than a few occasions, featuring 46 times for the seniors across the year.
And, of course, he and his teammates were rewarded for their commitment and ability to weather harsh storms by triumphing in the Europa League, beating Manchester United in the final.
Though, since Frank’s arrival, Gray has taken a step back, which is a positive thing. He is still a teenager and has much to learn. His potential was recognised last year, for sure.
However, having last started in the Premier League on the opening day of the season, playing just over 70 minutes, the ball-playing, tough-tackling talent will hope for further opportunities under Frank’s wing. When he gets them, in a more stable system, he might just skyrocket to the upper level of the Spurs squad.
Hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as being “one of the best talents England have”, Gray might not have hit his prime yet, but he’s only 19, and he has already showcased remarkable potential on the biggest stage.
In six years, he will reach Spence’s current age of 25, and it’s frightening to consider how good he might be at that point.
Biggest star since Kane: Spurs are brewing "one of England's best talents"
Tottenham Hotspur already have their next biggest England star on Thomas Frank’s books.
1 ByEthan Lamb