Tottenham full-back Djed Spence is set to make history as England’s first openly Muslim player. The former England U21 international has been included in the senior squad for the first time for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, BBC reported.
Spence, 25, said he was surprised to have been called to join Thomas Tuchel’s squad, considering he had never spoken with Tuchel before.
“I’ve seen that,” Spence said. “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 asked if he felt more weight on his shoulders being the first Muslim England player, he said: “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.”
This latest call-up is good news for Spence, who began his career at Middlesbrough before joining Tottenham in 2022. He was sent out on loan three times by Spurs – to Rennes, Leeds and Genoa – before becoming recognized in the first team last season, BBC said.
There were reports that Spence would feature in Tuchel’s first England squad last March but Arsenal teen Myles Lewis-Skelly made it instead. Now, after playing every minute for Spurs in the new Premier League season to date, he has earned his call-up to the senior team.
“It’s definitely a big deal to play for England, 100%,” Spence said.
“The manager has made me feel comfortable, everyone here has made me comfortable. Also I’ve played at under-21s, so I know a bit more. But senior level, I haven’t done it before. The boys have made me feel welcome and taken me in,” said the history-maker, who was given his England Under-21 debut by Lee Carsley in March 2022 against Albania.
Throughout his playing career, he has never abandoned his faith, which he mostly talks about on social media.
“First things first, God is the greatest,” he was quoted by Sky News. “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.”
