Tottenham right-back Djed Spence stands on the brink of history as England prepare to face Andorra at Villa Park this weekend. The 25-year-old could become the first Muslim footballer to represent the Three Lions, a milestone he describes as both humbling and deeply significant.
“It’s amazing. To be the first ever, it means so much to me and my faith. I don’t even have the words for it,” Spence said ahead of the match.
His journey to this point has been anything but easy. Signed by Tottenham in 2022 after an impressive loan spell with Nottingham Forest, Spence was quickly dismissed by then-manager Antonio Conte as a “club investment.” The remarks hit his confidence hard, but he refused to let them define him.
“I was buzzing after getting promoted with Forest. To then hear comments like that wasn’t nice, but I’m a fighter. Whatever I do, I give my best. Fast forward to now, I’m happy to be here,” he reflected.
Faith has been a constant anchor for Spence, guiding him through moments of doubt and difficulty. He admits that during his darkest times, his belief in God kept him steady. “In tough moments, I’ve always felt God was with me. And when I win or have success, I give thanks because He has always been there,” he said.
His resilience has also been tested by criticism from previous coaches. Former Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock once suggested Spence’s career could go either way, but the defender responded with strong performances and quiet determination. He keeps a “mental list” of doubters and admits it feels good to prove them wrong.
Now flourishing under Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, where he made 28 appearances and scored twice last season, Spence represents the story of a late bloomer who refused to give up.
For young fans, particularly those from minority backgrounds, his story carries powerful inspiration. “If I can do it, you can do it. Not just Muslim kids, but any child of any faith or background. If you put your mind to something, you can achieve it,” he said.
Saturday could mark not only a personal breakthrough but also a cultural landmark for English football, as Djed Spence prepares to write his name into history.
