Spence hopes to inspire as first Muslim England player

If Djed Spence becomes the first Muslim player to play for the senior England men’s team, he hopes to inspire future generations.

The Tottenham full-back, who has six caps for the England Under-21s, was the first to play in the senior squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

The former Middlesbrough player, who was sent out on loan three times by Spurs to Rennes, Leeds, and Genoa before establishing himself in the first team last year, has undergone a turnaround in his fortunes.

Spence may become the first Muslim player to join the England squad, despite the Football Association’s policy of keeping a player’s religion a secret.

It’s “a blessing,” or “just amazing.” The 25-year-old said, “I don’t really have the words.”

I give God praise and thanks frequently. I’ve always believed that God has always been by my side in the toughest and darkest times of my life. My faith and I are deeply affected by this.

England travels to Belgrade on Tuesday to face Serbia in the first game of the season, starting with Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday.

Spence claims that his religion prevents him from carrying any extra weight, but that he hopes others will benefit from his story.

“I don’t really feel the pressure to do certain things,” she said. He continued, “I just play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of you”; he continued.

Spence had only played 64 Premier League games between 2024 and 2025 before December 15 of last year.

He started 19 of Spurs’ subsequent 22 league games and played 90 minutes of those games after that date.

The change was dramatic. Spence was so far down the pecking order that Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou didn’t even make the Europa League group stage squad.

He played 180 minutes in the team’s final-16 victory over AZ Alkmaar despite only entering the knockout stage.

Spurs won their first major trophy in 17 years, beating Manchester United in the final, earning them the title of Champions League qualifying.

Given how far Spence has advanced last season, it was speculated that Spence might play for Thomas Tuchel’s first England team in March.

Spence missed out on the call-up for the left-back role despite the Spurs man recording more Premier League tackles, interceptions, clearances, blocks, and defensive headers at that time of the campaign with Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly instead.

Spence, however, remained in the team, and he was given a senior squad call-up after playing every minute for Spurs this year.

Spence remarked, “It’s undoubtedly a big deal to play for England 100%.

“Everyone here has made me feel comfortable,” according to the manager. I’ve also played under-21s, which gives me a little more knowledge. However, I haven’t done it before at the senior level. I feel at ease and welcomed by the boys.

Lee Carsley made his Under-21 England debut against Albania in March 2022.

Spence was hoping to represent England at the European Under-21 Championship in 2023, but a broken ankle caused the defender to miss the competition.

Spence’s rise to fame is not surprising to Carsley.

“I adore Djed. He is a great player, Carsley claimed earlier this year to BBC Sport. “A quiet but humble man, so exciting, so attacking, athletic, and.