‘I was surprised’ – Djed Spence offers priceless reaction as Tottenham star eyes England history
Djed Spence will be hoping to dedicate many more of his best years to Tottenham.
Spence has been Thomas Frank’s starting left-back with Destiny Udogie sidelined for Tottenham due to injury.
The fullback reached new heights at Spurs under Ange Postecoglou, becoming a UEFA Europa League winner with Tottenham during the 2024/25 season.
But it has not all been sunshine and rainbows for the left-back who underwent a series of loans when he first arrived at Tottenham. But through years of persistence and perseverance, Spence could now make history for England.
Djed Spence could become the first Muslim to play for the Three Lions
Soon after extending his contract with Tottenham, Spence earned his first senior call-up for England.
This feat is incredible given that Spence overcame hurdles at Tottenham after being sidelined by Antonio Conte.
But hard work and the determination to succeed pay off, and he could become the first Muslim to play for the England senior team during the September international break.
In an interview with The Guardian on Wednesday, 3 September, he said: “I did see something about that,
“It’s a blessing, it’s amazing. I was surprised, really, first ever. If I can do it, you can do it. It’s [important] not just for Muslim kids but for any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it, man.”
Tottenham players who made history with the national teams
Harry Kane departed Tottenham for Bayern Munich as a legend for the club, but is also one for his country.
The England captain made history on 23 March 2023 against Italy when he netted his 54th goal in 81 appearances, surpassing Wayne Rooney to become the record goalscorer for the Three Lions.
England’s top-five record goalscorers include:
- Kane – 74 goals in 107 appearances
- Rooney – 53 goals in 120 appearances
- Sir Bobby Charlton – 49 goals in 106 appearances
- Gary Lineker – 48 goals in 80 appearances
- Jimmy Greaves – 44 goals in 57 appearances
Greaves is not only fifth on the record goalscorers list for England but also holds the record for the most hat-tricks for the Three Lions. He ended his career with six hat-tricks and Spurs’ second all-time top goalscorer behind Kane.
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min has more than 130 international caps for South Korea, which is the most of any Asian Tottenham player. But this still puts him behind Bader Al-Mutawa, who recorded 196 FIFA-recognised caps for Kuwait.
If Spence debuts for England during the September 2025 international break, he will join this elite group of Tottenham players who achieved legendary feats for their countries while at Spurs.
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