Djed Spence to Become First Muslim Man to Play for England – Tottenham Star Keen to Inspire Others

Djed Spence could make history if he is handed his senior England debut by Thomas Tuchel in the coming days.

Spence, 25, won six caps for England’s U21 side between 2022 and 2023, but he had never been called up to the senior squad until Tuchel named him in his party for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

His call-up comes after a strong start to the season with Spurs, including standout performances against top-quality opponents Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

Spence was selected ahead of Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. Meanwhile, fellow full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka appears to have given up hope of playing for England, after accepting a call-up from DR Congo.

First Muslim England footballer?

If Spence makes it onto the pitch at Villa Park this weekend, he will do more than tick off a personal milestone.

The Tottenham defender is understood to be on the verge of becoming the first Muslim man to play for the England senior men’s football team.

Although the FA does not keep official records of religion, it is believed that Spence will be the first follower of Islam to represent the Three Lions.

What Djed Spence said

“It’s a blessing – it’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really,” Spence said this week. “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.”

He added: “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. 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 faith has been a guiding force during a turbulent career. He has not forgotten Antonio Conte’s brutal verdict in 2022, when the then Spurs boss described him as “an investment of the club” rather than his signing.

“To hear comments like that wasn’t nice. It shatters your confidence a bit,” Spence admitted. “But I am a fighter. Whatever I do, I will try to do my best in everything I can. Fast forward, I am here now, so I am happy.”

He has also had to deal with criticism from Neil Warnock, who once claimed he might just as easily end up in non-league as in the Premier League. Spence responded in typically confident fashion after winning promotion with Nottingham Forest in 2022, posting a picture with a cigar in the Wembley dressing room as a pointed reply.

“I wouldn’t say I have a list [of doubters],” Spence explained. “But I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong.”

Djed Spence’s family

Spence was born in London to a Jamaican father and Kenyan mother, and is the younger brother of actress Karla-Simone Spence.

His background and his Muslim faith have shaped both his outlook and his resilience, something he credits with helping him through tough moments in football.

Djed Spence’s rise from Championship to international football

Spence came through Fulham’s academy before joining Middlesbrough in 2018. He made 63 Championship appearances for Boro, but truly announced himself during a loan spell at Nottingham Forest in 2021–22, playing 46 games in a promotion-winning campaign.

That earned him a £20 million move to Tottenham, but his early years were spent on the fringes, with loan spells at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa.

Only last season did he finally break through, stepping into the Spurs first team during an injury crisis and holding his place. He scored his first Premier League goal, starred in the Europa League, and helped Spurs end a 17-year trophy drought.

This summer he signed a new long-term contract at Tottenham.