How former Middlesbrough man Djed Spence will make history if he makes England debut

Tottenham full-back Djed Spence expressed both honour and astonishment upon discovering he is poised to make history as England's first openly Muslim player.

The 25-year-old was amongst two fresh faces called up to Thomas Tuchel's squad as preparations continue for next summer's World Cup with qualifying fixtures against Andorra and Serbia.

Spence was taken aback by the call-up, having had no prior conversation with the England manager, and was astounded to learn he could create history as the first Muslim footballer to represent the senior men's side.

"I've seen that," the versatile defender remarked. "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."

When questioned about potential pressure being the inaugural player of his faith to feature for the senior team, the former England Under-21s international responded: "Maybe, maybe not.

"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."

Spence's faith forms a significant part of his identity and is something he regularly acknowledges across social media platforms.

"First things first, God is the greatest," he stated. "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 overcame what he described as the "biggest hurdle" of his career when Tottenham's manager Antonio Conte publicly dismissed him as a club signing, following his triumphant play-offs win with Nottingham Forest in 2022.

The promising full-back was signed from Middlesbrough by Spurs that summer in a deal potentially rising to £20million.

"I did really well, got promoted with Nottingham Forest," Spence recalled. "I am buzzing, I am going to sign for Tottenham. So, to hear comments like that wasn't nice. It does shatter your confidence a bit. But, you know, I am fighter, so whatever I do I will try to do my best in everything I can."

Following this, Spence spent time on loan at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa, always keeping in mind that "when you believe in yourself and trust in God everything will align with itself".

This mindset eventually led to his full debut for Spurs last December, two-and-a-half-years after joining the club, in a season that ended with Europa League glory.

His impressive performance as a substitute in the Bilbao final was particularly noteworthy given he started the season omitted from Ange Postecoglou's group stage squad.

"Without (a strong) mentality, you won't make it to the top," he said. "I definitely think I have got a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges."

Spence, who used criticism as motivation, demonstrated this when he tagged his former Boro boss Neil Warnock, who had been critical of him, in a social media post with the play-off trophy and a celebratory cigar.

"I wouldn't say I particularly have a list or anything," he said, grinning, when asked if he kept a record of names in a little black book. "But I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong."

Spence's resilience in fighting for his position and handling disappointment has been evident throughout his unconventional journey to the England squad – something he hopes can motivate others.

"If I can do it, you can do it," he stated. "Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it, man. It was an amazing, surreal moment to learn of his call-up. I received the text about the call-up and I had a big smile on my face. I told my family and told them to watch out for the announcement. It was a great moment for me.

"I’m just grateful, to be honest. I’ve seen some of the boys I used to play with at under-21s level getting called up and it’s motivation. I’m finally here and I’m happy. We’ve got the game on Saturday and hopefully a good week of training.”

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