London: Tottenham’s Djed Spence said the opportunity to make history as the first male player to publicly identify himself as a Muslim to represent England was a “blessing” as he prepares for a potential debut.
The 25-year-old defender was one of two new faces included in Thomas Tuchel’s team for the World Cup against Andorra and Serbia.
It is understood that Spence could be the first Muslim man to play for England’s senior team.
“I’ve seen that,” said the versatile full back of England’s training base. “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing. I saw something similar.
“I was really surprised, first ever. It’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really.”
But the former England under-21s International said he didn’t feel under extra pressure and added, “I just play football with a smile on my face.”
Spence’s faith is an important part of his identity and is something he often recognizes on social media.
“First thing first is God the greatest,” he said. “I pray a lot. I give God gratitude.
“In the hardest moments of my life, the darkest moments, I have always believed that God has always been by my side.
“When I win when I’m in a good moment, I also promote God because he has always been by my side. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.”
Spence’s rise has been slow.
After impressing in the championship of Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, he moved to Premier League Tottenham in 2022.
But he initially struggled to make an impression during former Tottenham chef Antonio Conte and spent time on loans at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa.
The defender debuted only in December in December, two and a half years after he joined the club in what proved a breakthrough campaign culminating with the Europa League glory.
He came as a replacement in the Bilbao finals after he was originally left out of Ange Postecoglou’s group step teams earlier in the season.
“Without (a strong) mentality you won’t get to the top,” Spence said. “I definitely think I’ve got a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges.”
“I have a mental note of people who doubted me, and it feels good to prove them wrong,” he added.
Now, full back hopes to inspire others.
“If I can do it, you can do it,” he said. “Not just Muslim children, every child of someone faith. Put your mind into something and you can do it.”
England’s face Andorra in Villa Park on Saturday before traveling to play Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.
Tuchel’s men are the top of Group K with three wins from three matches so far.
