Djed Spence speaks of ‘blessing’ as he prepares to become England’s first Muslim international

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence has earned his first senior England call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia and could make his debut

Djed Spence is set to create his own piece of history by becoming the first Muslim to play for England. Tottenham defender Spence, 25, has revealed his pride in being a trailblazer and also how his faith has helped him overcome even the hardest times in his career.

The Football Association will also recognise it as a point in time for the first openly Muslim player to represent the senior England team ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier with Andorra at Villa Park. Spence said: “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing.

“I did see something like that. I was surprised, really, first ever. It’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really.

“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.

“It’s definitely a big deal to play for England, 100 per cent. I don’t really feel the pressure for certain things. I just play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of itself.”

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Spence has endured a rollercoaster career which has taken him from Middlesbrough to Nottingham Forest onto Tottenham and then loan spells with Rennes, Leeds and Genoa. It would be fair to say there have been bumps in the road on his journey – not least with highly critical remarks from ex-Spurs boss Antonio Conte and former Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock – but his religion has carried him through.

Spence said: “First things first, God is the greatest. I pray a lot, I give gratitude to God. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.

“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 joined Tottenham in 2022 and, despite only really establishing himself last season under Ange Postecoglou, the fans have always backed him. His energy, drive and determination from both full back positions have made him a firm favourite and the supporters have called for him to play even when he was not starting.

That makes him smile along with the support of his three older sisters, his dad Simon and his No1 fan, mum Aisha who used to drive him everywhere as a kid trying to break through. Now Spence is reaping the rewards and he also says that his mentality and determination have carried him through.

Spence said: “I wouldn’t say a tough journey, but it’s been a long journey. There have been good times and bad times, but I think when you believe in yourself and trust in God, everything will align with itself. Without a strong mentality, you won’t make it to the top. I definitely think I have got a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges.

“Sometimes in football when things go bad, they go really bad. I was out on loan, playing, then I stopped playing and then got injured before the under-21s Euros… and they won it. I would have loved that. So I would probably say that was a point in my career where it was really tough.

“It has always been my plan to make it to the senior team. It might not have been in my vision so close ahead. It’s a blessing.”

While Conte was the lowest point at Tottenham, it was Postecoglou who helped him win the Europa League and he celebrated with his now traditional picture of himself smoking a cigar. Spence is also very positive about new Spurs boss Thomas Frank.

Spence added: “I feel I’m getting better day by day. I feel I’m improving and that’s down to me staying focused, being a sponge and listening to my coaches and the staff.

“Just that willing to learn. I want to be the best in my position and to do that you’ve got to keep working hard and keep taking on advice. You’ve got to do everything to the maximum.

“Ange Postecoglou made me a champion, so I always have gratitude to him for that. And he was a good manager, good guy. I don’t really have anything else to say really about it. Gave me my opportunity, which I’m grateful for. I’ve respect for him.

“Thomas Frank is amazing, man. He’s been amazing to me, fills me with confidence, very open and just a down to earth manager. I think he’s going to be amazing for the club.”

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