Djed Spence says he hopes to inspire the next generation as he prepares to become the first Muslim footballer to represent England’s senior men’s team.
The Tottenham Hotspur full-back, who has six England Under-21 caps, has received his first senior call-up for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. His inclusion crowns a remarkable turnaround in fortunes after years of loan spells and limited playing time.
Though the Football Association does not keep records of players’ religions, it is understood that Spence could make history if he features for Gareth Southgate’s side.
“A blessing”
The 25-year-old admitted his faith has guided him through difficult times.
“It’s a blessing – it’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really,” Spence said. “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. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.”
Spence stressed he does not feel pressure because of his religion but wants to show children of all backgrounds that dreams are achievable.
“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,” he said.
From outcast to key man
Spence’s rise seemed improbable a year ago. Before mid-December last season, he had played just 64 minutes of Premier League football. By May, however, he was starting regularly under Ange Postecoglou, completing 90 minutes in 19 of Tottenham’s final 22 league matches.
Once omitted from Spurs’ Europa League group stage squad, he later played the full 180 minutes of their last-16 victory over AZ Alkmaar and featured in the final as Spurs beat Manchester United to win their first major trophy in 17 years.
That progress brought him into England contention. He narrowly missed Thomas Tuchel’s first squad in March but continued to impress, playing every minute of the new Premier League season. His call-up is the reward.
Support from managers past and present
Spence credits the positive environment in the England camp for helping him settle quickly.
“The manager has made me feel comfortable, everyone here has made me comfortable,” he said. “Also I’ve played at under-21s, so I know a bit more. But senior level, I haven’t done it before. The boys have made me feel welcome and taken me in.”
Lee Carsley, who gave Spence his Under-21 debut in 2022, was not surprised to see his former player reach this stage.
“I love Djed. I think he’s such a good player – exciting, attacking, athletic, a quiet guy but humble,” Carsley said earlier this year. “He’s got so many attributes, the way he can drive and dribble with the ball, score, create, defend. There’s no ceiling where he could go.”
Eyes on Serbia and Andorra
England face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before travelling to Belgrade to meet Serbia on Tuesday. Whether Spence makes his senior debut remains to be seen, but his inclusion alone is being celebrated as a milestone moment.
For the full-back, however, the priority remains simple: to play with joy and contribute to the team.
“I just play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of itself,” he said.
If his journey from loan exile to international footballer is any indication, Spence’s faith in that philosophy has already been richly rewarded.
