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Djed Spence’s call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup qualifiers in September was a career highlight in itself – but it also had huge significance far beyond the pitch.
By earning his place in the team, the Tottenham Hotspur defender became the first openly practicing Muslim footballer to receive a senior men’s call-up to England. If he features in any of the upcoming matches against Andorra or Serbia, Spence is expected to make history as the first Muslim to play for the Three Lions.
Talk to BBC Sport Speaking about the feat, the 25-year-old admitted that the moment was difficult to describe.
“It’s a blessing, it’s just incredible. I don’t really have the words,” he said. “I pray a lot, I give thanks to God. In the hardest times of my life, the darkest times, I always believed that God was always by my side. That’s a big thing for me, my faith.”
Spence’s call-up caps a remarkable turnaround on the pitch for the former Middlesbrough right-back, who was loaned out three times by Spurs – to Rennes, Leeds and Genoa – before joining the first team last season and playing a key role in their Europa League triumph.
Now, Spence says he wants to use his story as an inspiration for others, while remaining focused on simply enjoying his football.
“I don’t really feel pressure for certain things. I just play football with a smile, I’m happy and the rest will take care of me,” he explained. “If I can do it, you can do it. Not just Muslim kids, any kid of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it.”
