Tottenham's Djed Spence nears first senior England call-up as potential first Muslim player

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence is set to make his debut for the senior England men's football team in upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, potentially becoming the first Muslim player to represent England at this level. Spence, who has six caps for England Under-21s and was previously loaned to Rennes, Leeds, and Genoa, has recently established himself as a regular starter at Spurs. He attributes his resilience and success in part to his Muslim faith, stating that he prays and gives gratitude to God, especially during difficult times. Despite the significance of his potential milestone, Spence does not feel pressure because of his religion and hopes to inspire children of all faiths to pursue their dreams. The Football Association does not track players' religions, but Spence's call-up is widely regarded as a historic moment for representation. His journey from multiple loans to a consistent first-team role underlines his determination, and he aims to motivate the next generation with his story.