Djed Spence Makes History As First Muslim To Represent England

‎Tottenham Hotspur defender, Djed Spence, made history on Tuesday by coming on as a substitute in Belgrade to become England’s first Muslim player to win a senior cap.

‎The 25-year-old replaced Chelsea’s Reece James in the 69th minute of England’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying win.

‎”I was surprised because I didn’t know I was the first, so it’s a blessing,” London-born Spence said.

‎”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 first England appearance is a landmark moment for British Muslims who are under-represented in professional football in the country, despite making up 6% of the population.

‎”It’s a moment of celebration for British Muslims,” Ebadur Rahman, founder of Nujum Sports, an organisation which supports more than 400 Muslim athletes through faith advice and professional counselling, said ahead of the game.

‎”Djed has a 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.”

‎Spence started his professional career with Middlesbrough before signing for Tottenham in 2022.

‎After a challenging start with the London club and three loan spells, he has established himself as an important member of the squad and played in their Europa League final triumph last season.

‎”We just haven’t had the Muslim players coming through,” Yunus Lunat, a grassroots coach and former chair of the Football Association’s race equality advisory board, told the BBC.

‎”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 said earning his first England cap had been an emotional moment.

‎”Whatever religion you believe in, just believe in God,” Spence 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.”