Djed Spence Opens Up On Faith, Conte Struggles And Ditching Harambee Stars Path

The defender prepares for a landmark moment with England, reflecting on faith, resilience, and tough choices after ditching Harambee Stars.

Tottenham right-back Djed Spence stands on the threshold of history as England prepare to take on Andorra at Villa Park this weekend.

The 25-year-old defender could become the first Muslim to represent the Three Lions in football, a landmark he finds humbling and vitally significant.

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The Tottenham player, who has known his share of setbacks in his career, is looking forward now to what should be a defining night for him and English football.

"It's amazing," Spence said as per Daily Mail.

"I did see it and I was surprised, really. The first ever. It's a big thing for me, my faith. It's just amazing. I don't have the words."

Signed by Spurs in 2022 for £20m after a breakthrough loan spell with Nottingham Forest, Spence was immediately written off by then-manager Antonio Conte as a "club investment."

"I did really well, got promoted with Nottingham Forest and I was buzzing," he recalled.

"I am going to sign for Tottenham. So to hear comments like that wasn't nice. It shatters your confidence a bit. But I am fighter. So, whatever I do, I will try to do my best in everything I can. Fast forward, I am here now, so I am happy."

Faith and resilience during challenging times

That refusal to quit has been a hallmark of Spence's career. His attitude was questioned at one point by former Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock, who claimed his career could go either way.

Spence responded both with his performances on the pitch and a cheeky reminder off it, tweeting a celebratory picture after Forest's play-off win.

"I wouldn't say I have a list (of doubters) or anything," he said.

"But I do have a mental list of people who doubted me, no question about it, and it does feel good to prove them wrong."

Spence is not afraid to say how much his faith has driven his path.

"During the worst moments of my life, the darkest moments, I've always felt that God has always been with me," he said. "When I'm winning, when I'm experiencing a good moment, I promote God also because he's always been with me."

Inspiring the next generation

While the England cricket team has already capped several Muslims, including Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, Spence would be a first for the football ranks. But he insists he does not feel any extra burden in that status.

"I just play football with a smile on my face," he said. "Be happy, and the rest will take care of itself."

Simultaneously, he is aware of the significance of the moment, particularly for young audiences watching.

"If I can do it, you can do it," Spence added.

"Not just Muslim kids, any kid of any religion. Put your mind to something and you can do it."

For Tottenham and England, Spence's emergence under current boss Ange Postecoglou—where he featured 28 times and scored twice last season—is a tale of a player late-blooming after being overlooked.

And for English football, Saturday at Villa Park could be a night that will become sporting and cultural history.