Djed Spence is on the cusp of a historic moment, poised to become the first Muslim player to represent England's senior national team. The Tottenham Hotspur defender's inclusion in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia marks a significant milestone, one that the Football Association is also prepared to acknowledge.
Spence, 25, has expressed his pride in being a pioneer and how his faith has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of his career. "It's a blessing, it's amazing," Spence said. "I did see something like that. I was surprised, really, first ever. It's just amazing. I don't have the words really". He hopes his journey will inspire others, stating, "I think it shows if I can do it, you can do it. Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it, man".
Spence's path to the England squad has been filled with challenges and triumphs. He began his career with Fulham's academy before joining Middlesbrough in 2018. After loan spells with Nottingham Forest, where he played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League, Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa, he joined Tottenham in 2022. Despite initial difficulties in securing playing time, Spence persevered and eventually broke into the Spurs squad, impressing with his performances.
His faith has been a constant source of strength, particularly during difficult times. "First things first, God is the greatest," Spence declared. "I pray a lot, I give gratitude to God. It's a big thing for me, my faith". He added, "In the toughest moments of my life, the darkest moments, I've always believed that God has always been by my side. When I'm winning, when I'm in a good moment, I promote God as well because he's always been by my side".
Spence's strong mentality and resilience have been key to overcoming obstacles. He faced criticism from former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte and ex-Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock, but he remained focused on his goals. "Without a strong mentality, you won't make it to the top," Spence explained. "I definitely think I have got a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges".
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank lauded Spence's call-up to the England squad, saying, "We have a new English national team player in Djed Spence. Wow, how good is that? He truly deserves it". England boss Thomas Tuchel echoed this sentiment, praising Spence's impressive end to the season with Tottenham and his strong performances in the Premier League. "He can play both sides, he plays very intensely, he is in shape and he deserves to be called up," Tuchel said.
Spence's journey is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and unwavering faith. As he prepares to potentially make history for England, he hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or faith. "I don't really feel the pressure for certain things," Spence said. "I just play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of itself".
Djed Spence's potential debut for England would not only be a personal achievement but also a moment of immense significance for Muslim communities and football fans across the nation.
