mm-news-@dmin Faith at the Core of Spence’s Journey
LONDON: Tottenham’s Djed Spence described the chance to make history as the first male player to publicly identify as Muslim to represent England as a “blessing” ahead of a potential debut.
Thomas Tuchel included the 25-year-old defender as one of two new faces in his squad for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
Reports suggest Spence could become the first Muslim man to play for England’s senior team.
“I’ve seen that,” the versatile full-back said at England’s training base. “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.”
However, the former England Under-21 international insisted he did not feel under extra pressure, adding: “I just play football with a smile on my face.”
Spence’s faith is a central part of his identity and something he frequently acknowledges on social media.
“First things first, God is the greatest,” he said. “I pray a lot. I give gratitude to God. In the toughest and darkest moments of my life, I’ve always believed He has been by my side. Therefore, when I’m winning and in a good moment, I also promote God, because He has always been there for me. My faith is a big thing.”
Spence’s rise has been steady rather than sudden. After impressing in the Championship with Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, he joined Tottenham in 2022.
Yet he initially struggled to make an impression under former Spurs boss Antonio Conte and consequently went on loan to Rennes, Leeds, and Genoa.
The defender only made his full Tottenham debut in December, two-and-a-half years after joining the club, in a breakthrough campaign that ended with Europa League glory.
Although Ange Postecoglou omitted him from the group-stage squad earlier in the season, Spence still came on as a substitute in the Bilbao final.
“Without a strong mentality, you won’t make it to the top,” Spence said. “I definitely think I have a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges. I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong.”
Now the full-back hopes to inspire others.
“If I can do it, you can do it,” he said. “Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can achieve it.”
England face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before travelling to Belgrade to play Serbia on Tuesday. Tuchel’s men sit top of Group K with three wins from three matches.
