'Joe's a great prospect' - Spurs, Wales legend Mike England on Rodon

Who better than our greatest ever Welsh centre-back to run the rule over the latest prospect following in his footsteps at Spurs?

Joe Rodon stepped out for his full debut against Chelsea on Sunday and took it all in his stride against the attacking threat of Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Mason Mount as it ended goalless at Stamford Bridge, the point taking us back to the top of the Premier League.

Legendary former defender Mike England played 397 times for us between 1966-1975, won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup, was capped 44 times by Wales and later spent eight years as Welsh national team manager, 1980-1988.

Already capped 10 times by Wales, Joe joined us from Swansea in October having racked up over 50 appearances in the Championship, his performances leading to a first senior call for Wales against Azerbaijan in European Championship qualifying on 6 September, 2019.

Ready to celebrate his 79th birthday tomorrow (2 December), Mike has watched Joe's progress with interest.

“Joe is doing very well and he's a great prospect, he’s only just turned 23, so he’s at the age where he should start to come through, and it’s great to see a young lad like him getting his chance at Spurs," said Mike.

“He’s a footballing centre-half. He can use the ball very intelligently, has good control and he leads the back line. He’s a leader, even at his young age, and he’s improving all the time. He’s also quick, and that’s a real asset, having pace as a defender really does help. He’s a good athlete.

“I can only see him continuing to progress at Spurs. He’s playing in the Premier League, up against outstanding players every week, and he'll come on for that. He’s already stood out at Championship level and played for Wales, so you know that the talent is there."

Mike didn't need reminding that Joe is one of three Welsh players in the current squad alongside Gareth Bale and Ben Davies. “It takes me back to myself and Cliffy Jones, Terry Medwin and Mel Hopkins before us," he added.

"It’s a good time for Spurs. The team look good to me. They’ve tightened up at the back. That’s key. You can score all the goals in the world, but if you are conceding, you’ll still have problems.

"This team has leaders as well. We had the likes of Dave Mackay, Pat Jennings, Alan Mullery, Alan Gilzean, Jimmy Greaves, all that experience. We had one hell of a team. It’s great to see the club top of the league again.”

So to our final, most important question. How are you, Mike? “It’s my birthday tomorrow (Mike is 79 on Wednesday), and I’m fine, I’m enjoying my golf and enjoying Spurs and Wales doing so well."