Tottenham defender Djed Spence is on the verge of making history as he prepares for a possible debut with England’s senior football team, becoming the first publicly identified Muslim man to represent the Three Lions.

 

The 25-year-old full-back earned his first senior call-up when Thomas Tuchel named him in the squad for matches against Andorra and Serbia in the World Cup Qualifiers.

 

“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,” Spence said at England’s training base.

 

He said he feels no extra pressure despite the moment’s significance. “I just play football with a smile on my face.”

 

Faith has been central to Spence’s journey. “First things first, God is the greatest,” he 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. When I’m winning, when I’m in a good moment, I promote God as well because he’s always been by my side. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.”

 

Spence worked his way through the Championship with Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest before joining Tottenham in 2022. His early spell at Spurs included loan moves to Rennes, Leeds and Genoa, but he broke through last season, making his full debut in December and helping the club to Europa League success.

 

“Without [a strong] mentality, you won’t make it to the top,” Spence said. “I definitely think I have got 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.”

 

The defender hopes his story can motivate 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 do it.”

 

England face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before meeting Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.