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Djed Spence, the Tottenham Hotspur full-back, has been picked in the England squad for the first-time for their upcoming two World Cup qualifying matches against Andorra and Serbia. The 25-year-old, who has already represented England Under-21s on six occasions, is now hopeful to become the first Muslim player to play for the England men’s football team, which will inspire many like him and others to take up the sport and aim to achieve anything.
As per the report published in BBC Sport, while the Football Association (FA) doesn't keep a count on the religion of the player representing its teams, Djed Spence indeed could become the first man from Muslim religion to play for England. Under Thomas Tuchel’s management, the English are set to take on Andorra at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday, September 6 before travelling to Belgrade to play against Serbia on Tuesday, September 9, at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
It's a blessing - it's just amazing. I don't have the words really: Djed Spence on England call-up
In his first comments after getting picked for England, Djed Spence called the latest turn of events as a “blessing” before talking at length about his faith in God. He was quoted as saying, “It's a blessing - it's just amazing. I don't have the words really. 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.”
To make the England squad this summer, Djed Spence had to work quite hard as a Tottenham Hotspur player, getting loaned out to three different clubs before managing to establish himself as a key player for them last season. After managing to overcome a steep challenge to get himself closer to an international debut, he remarked, “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.”
“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,” Djed Spence added.
