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Djed Spence Eyes Historic Role As First Muslim To Play For England’s Three Lions
Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence says he hopes to inspire the next generation—regardless of faith—after being called up to the senior England men’s squad for the first time, with the potential to become the team’s first Muslim male representative.
The 25-year-old full-back, who previously earned six caps for England Under-21s, has been named in the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday and Serbia in Belgrade next Tuesday.
Spence’s call-up marks a remarkable turnaround in his career. Signed by Spurs from Middlesbrough, Spence endured three loan spells—at Rennes, Leeds United, and Genoa—before finally breaking into Tottenham’s first team last season.
Before December 15, 2024, Spence had played just 64 minutes in the Premier League. But from that point on, he started and completed 90 minutes in 19 of Spurs’ final 22 league matches. His performances helped Tottenham clinch their first major trophy in 17 years with a win over Manchester United in the domestic cup final, securing Champions League qualification.
Despite being left out of the Europa League group stage, Spence was brought into the knockout rounds and played 180 minutes across both legs in the last-16 victory over AZ Alkmaar.
While the Football Association does not track players’ religious affiliations, it is understood Spence could become the first Muslim man to play for the England senior team.
“It’s a blessing—it’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really,” Spence told reporters. “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. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.”
Spence said he doesn’t feel pressure from the historic significance of his call-up but hopes his journey resonates with young people.
“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,” he said. “If I can do it, you can do it. Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it.”
Spence’s strong performances last season put him on the radar of England manager Thomas Tuchel earlier this year, but he was initially overlooked in favor of Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly. At the time, Spence had registered more Premier League tackles, interceptions, clearances, blocks, and defensive headers than Lewis-Skelly.
Still, Spence remained patient. After playing every minute of Spurs’ new campaign so far, he has now earned his spot in the senior squad.
“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.”
Spence made his Under-21 debut in March 2022 under manager Lee Carsley, who had hoped to include him in England’s European Under-21 Championship-winning squad in 2023 before injury ruled him out.
Carsley remains a strong supporter: “I love Djed. I think he’s such a good player,” he told BBC Sport earlier this year. “So exciting, so attacking, athletic, a quiet guy but humble. He’s got so many attributes—the way he can drive and dribble with the ball, score, create, defend. He’s a player that there’s no ceiling where he could go.”
With a newfound consistency and confidence, Spence is on the brink of making history—not just for himself, but potentially for future generations inspired by his journey.
