England´s defender Djed Spence takes half in a coaching session at St George´s Park in Burton-upon-Trent, central England, on September 3, 2025. — AFP
LONDON: Tottenham’s Djed Spence mentioned the chance to make historical past as the primary male participant who publically identifies as a Muslim to characterize England was a “blessing” as he prepares for a possible debut.
The 25-year-old defender was one in every of two new faces included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Andorra and Serbia.
It’s understood Spence may grow to be the primary Muslim man to play for England’s senior workforce.
“I’ve seen that,” the versatile full-back mentioned at England’s coaching base. “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing. I did see something like that.
“I used to be shocked, actually, first ever. It is simply wonderful. I haven’t got the phrases actually.”
But the former England Under-21s international said he did not feel under extra pressure, adding: “I simply play soccer with a smile on my face.”
Spence’s faith is a major part of his identity and is something he frequently acknowledges on social media.
“First issues first, God is the best,” he said. “I pray lots. 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.
“Once I’m successful, once I’m in a very good second, I promote God as effectively as a result of he is all the time been by my facet. It is a massive factor for me, my religion.”
Spence’s rise has been a slow one.
After impressing in the Championship for Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, he moved to Premier League Tottenham in 2022.
But he initially struggled to make an impression under former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, and spent time on loan at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa.
The defender only made his full Spurs debut in December, two-and-a-half years after he joined the club in what proved a breakthrough campaign that culminated in Europa League glory.
He came on as a substitute in the Bilbao final having initially been omitted from Ange Postecoglou’s group-stage squad earlier in the season.
“With out (a powerful) mentality, you will not make it to the highest,” said Spence. “I positively assume I’ve obtained a powerful mentality, particularly to combat via challenges.”
“I do have a psychological notice of people that doubted me, for certain, and it does really feel good to show them mistaken,” he added.
Now the full-back hopes to inspire others.
“If I can do it, you are able to do it,” he said. “Not simply Muslim youngsters, any little one of any religion. Put your thoughts to one thing and you are able to do it.”
England face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday earlier than travelling to play Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.
Tuchel’s males are high of Group Okay with three wins from three matches to this point.
