The Djed Spence of Tottenham Hotspur said that the chance to make history as the first male player who publicly identifies as a Muslim to represent England, was a «blessing» while preparing for a potential debut.
The 25-year-old defender was one of the two new faces included in Thomas Tuchel’s team for World Cup qualifications against Andorra and Serbia.
It is understood that Spence can become the first Muslim man who plays for the Senior team of England.
«I saw that,» said the versatile full-back on the training basis of England. «It’s a blessing, it’s great. I saw something like that. I was really surprised, really, first ever. It’s just great. I don’t really have the words.»
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But the former international under 21 of England said he did not feel under extra pressure and added: «I just play football with a smile on my face.»
Spence’s faith is an important part of his identity and is something that he often recognizes on social media.
«First things first, God is the greatest,» he said. «I pray a lot. I give God gratitude. At the most difficult moments of my life, the darkest moments, I have always believed that God has always been by my side. When I am winning, when I am at a good time, I also promote God because He has always been by my side. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.»
The rise of Spence has been slow.
After impressing the Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest Championship, he moved to the Premier League side Tottenham in 2022.
But he initially had difficulty impressing the former Tottenham Antonio Conte, and spent time on loan in Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa.
The defender only made his debut in December, two and a half years after he came to the club in what turned out to be a breakthrough campaign that culminated in Europa League Glory.
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He came up as a replacement in the Bilbao final, after he was initially omitted from the group work of Ange Postecoglou earlier in the season.
«Without (a strong) mentality you won’t get the top,» said Spence. «I absolutely think that I have a strong mentality, especially to fight by challenges. I have a mental note of people who certainly doubted me, and it feels good to prove them wrong,» he added.
Now the full-back hopes to inspire others.
«If I can do it, you can do it,» he said. «Not only Muslim children, every child of any faith. Put on something and you can do it.»
England will face Andorra in Villa Park on Saturday before traveling on Tuesday to play Serbia in Belgrade.
The men of Tuchel are at the top of group K with three wins from three games so far.
Published on 04 September 2025
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