London: Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence has received his first senior call-up to the England men’s football team, placing him in line to become the first Muslim footballer to represent the Three Lions. Manager Thomas Tuchel included the 25-year-old full-back in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
Spence described the moment as a blessing. “I pray a lot, I give gratitude to God. In the toughest moments of my life, I’ve always believed God was by my side. My faith is a big thing for me,” he said after the announcement.
England will host Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before travelling to Belgrade to face Serbia on Tuesday. Spence has previously represented England at the Under-21 level, winning three caps, but this marks his first step into the senior team.
The player hopes his selection inspires young people, including Muslim youth. “I don’t feel pressure. I play football with a smile. If I can do it, you can do it. Any child of any faith, put your mind to something and you can achieve it,” he said.
Born in London to a Kenyan mother and Jamaican father, Spence began his career at Middlesbrough after training with Fulham’s academy. He played a crucial role in Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League before moving to Tottenham in 2022. After loan spells in France and Italy, he returned to Spurs and has impressed with consistent performances, playing every minute of the current Premier League season.
