London: Tottenham Djed Spence said that the opportunity to make history as the first male player who publicly identifies as Muslim to represent England was a “blessing” while he is preparing for a potential beginning.
The 25 -year -old defender was one of the two new faces included in the Thomas Tuchel team for World Cup qualifications against Andorra and Serbia.
It is understood that Spence could become the first Muslim man to play for the senior team of England.
“I saw this,” said the versatile great rear at the training base of England. “It’s a blessing, it’s incredible. I saw something like that.
“I was surprised, really, first of all. It’s just incredible. I don’t really have the words.”
But the former England under 21 international said that he did not feel under additional pressure, adding: “I just 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.
“First of all, God is the greatest,” he said. “I pray a lot. I give gratitude to God.
“In the most difficult moments of my life, the darkest moments, I always believed that God has always been by my side.
“When I win, when I am in a good time, I promote God too because he has always been by my side. It is a great thing for me, my faith.”
The climb of Spence was slow.
After impressing in the Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest championship, he moved to the Premier League Tottenham in 2022.
But he first had trouble doing an impression under the former boss of Tottenham, Antonio Conte, and spent time on loan to Rennes, Leeds and Genoa.
The defender did not make his pregnant debut in December, two and a half years after joining the club in what proved to be a revolutionary campaign which led to the glory of the Europa League.
He came as a substitute in the Bilbao final after being initially omitted from the Ange Group Postcoglou group team earlier in the season.
“Without a (strong) mentality, you will not reach the top,” said Spence. “I really think I have a strong mentality, especially to fight against challenges.”
“I have a mental note of people who doubted me, that’s for sure, and it feels good to prove them the opposite,” he added.
Now the rear hopes to inspire others.
“If I can do it, you can do it,” he said. “Not just Muslim children, any child of all faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it.”
England will face the Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before going to Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday.
Tuchel’s men are at the top of group K with three three -game wins so far.
