Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence made history on Tuesday night in Belgrade, becoming the first Muslim to earn a senior cap for the England men’s national team.
The 25-year-old came off the bench in the 69th minute to replace Chelsea’s Reece James during England’s emphatic 5-0 World Cup qualifying win.
Speaking after the match, Spence admitted the milestone had come as a surprise. “I was surprised because I didn’t know I was the first, so it’s a blessing,” said the London-born full-back. “It’s good to make history and hopefully inspire young kids around the world that they can make it as well. They can do what I am doing.”
Spence’s debut marks a significant moment for British Muslims, who remain under-represented in professional football despite making up around 6% of the UK population.
Ebadur Rahman, founder of Nujum Sports, which supports hundreds of Muslim athletes, hailed the moment as a breakthrough. “Djed has big responsibility on his shoulders — not only is he playing for England, he is playing for Muslims around the world because he is now a role model breaking a barrier,” Rahman said.
Spence began his professional career at Middlesbrough before joining Spurs in 2022. After a challenging start at the north London club, including three loan spells, he became a key part of the squad and featured in their Europa League final victory last season.
His England debut is seen by many as a landmark. “We just haven’t had the Muslim players coming through,” said Yunus Lunat, a grassroots coach and former chair of the FA’s race equality advisory board. “Muslims haven’t had enough opportunities or enough role models for young, aspiring players to follow. It’s not particularly good that it’s taken until 2025 for a Muslim to play for England.”
Spence described his first cap as a deeply emotional moment. “Whatever religion you believe in, just believe in God,” he said. “Days like today are special because of God, for me. I was a little bit emotional because the journey hasn’t been easy. But I am officially an England player now and I am over the moon.”
