London: Djed Spence of Tottenham said that the opportunity to make history as the first male player who publicly identifies as Muslim to represent England was a “blessing” while preparing for a potential debut.
The 25 -year -old defender was one of the two new faces included in the Thomas Tuchel team for the World Cup and Serbia World Cup qualifiers.
It is understood that Spence could become the first Muslim man to play for the senior team in England.
“I have seen that,” said the versatile and full in the training base of England. “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing. I saw something like that.
“I was really surprised, first, it’s simply incredible. I really don’t have words.”
But the former sub-21 of England said he did not feel under extra pressure, and added: “I only play football with a smile on my face.”
Spence’s faith is an important part of his identity and is something he frequently recognizes on social networks.
“The first is the first, God is the best,” he said. “I pray a lot. I give gratitude to God.
“In the most difficult moments of my life, the darkest moments, I have always believed that God has always been by my side.
“When I am winning, when I am in a good time, I also promote God because he has always been by my side. It is a great thing for me, my faith.”
Spence’s rise has been slow.
After impressing in the Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest championship, he moved to the Premier League Tottenham in 2022.
But initially he fought to cause an impression under the former Tottenham chief, Antonio Conte, and spent time in Rennes, Leeds and Genoa.
The defender only made his debut in the Spurs in December, two and a half years after joining the club in what proved to be an innovative campaign that culminated in the glory of the Europa League.
He entered as a substitute in the Bilbao final having initially omitted the team of the Ange Postecoglou group stage at the beginning of the season.
“Without a (strong) mentality, you will not reach the top,” Spence said. “I definitely think I have a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges.”
“I have a mental note of people who doubted, sure, and it feels good to prove that they are wrong,” he added.
Now the full-back hopes to inspire others.
“If I can do it, you can do it,” he said. “Not only Muslim children, any son of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it.”
England faces Andorra in Villa Park on Saturday before traveling to play Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.
Tuchel’s men are the best in group K with three victories of three games so far.
