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Djed Spence’s call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers was a career highlight in itself – but it also carried huge significance far beyond the pitch.
By earning his place in the squad, the Tottenham Hotspur defender has become the first openly practicing Muslim footballer to receive a senior England men’s call-up. Should he feature in either of the upcoming fixtures against Andorra or Serbia, Spence is expected to make history as the first Muslim man to play for the Three Lions.
Speaking to BBC Sport about the achievement, the 25-year-old admitted the moment was hard to put into words.
“It’s a blessing – it’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really,” he said. “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’s call-up caps a remarkable turnaround on the pitch for the former Middlesbrough right-back, who was sent out on loan by Spurs three times – at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa – before breaking into 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 inspiration for others, while remaining focused on simply enjoying his football.
“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 yourself,” he explained. “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.”
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