Djed Spence opens up on becoming England’s first-ever Muslim footballer
Djed Spence’s call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers was a career highlight in itself – but it also carried huge significance far beyond the pitch.
-->Djed Spence’s call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers was a career highlight in itself – but it also carried huge significance far beyond the pitch.
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By earning his place in the squad, the Tottenham Hotspur defender has become the first openly practicing Muslim footballer to receive a senior England men’s call-up. Should he feature in either of the upcoming fixtures against Andorra or Serbia, Spence is expected to make history as the first Muslim man to play for the Three Lions.
-->By earning his place in the squad, the Tottenham Hotspur defender has become the first openly practicing Muslim footballer to receive a senior England men’s call-up. Should he feature in either of the upcoming fixtures against Andorra or Serbia, Spence is expected to make history as the first Muslim man to play for the Three Lions.
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Speaking to BBC Sport about the achievement, the 25-year-old admitted the moment was hard to put into words.
-->Speaking to BBC Sport about the achievement, the 25-year-old admitted the moment was hard to put into words.
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"It's a blessing – it's just amazing. I don't have the words really," he said. "I pray a lot, I give gratitude to God. In the toughest moments of my life, the darkest moments, I've always believed that God has always been by my side. It's a big thing for me, my faith."
-->“It’s a blessing – it’s just amazing. I don’t have the words really,” he said. “I pray a lot, I give gratitude to God. In the toughest moments of my life, the darkest moments, I’ve always believed that God has always been by my side. It’s a big thing for me, my faith.”
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Spence's call-up caps a remarkable turnaround on the pitch for the former Middlesbrough right-back, who was sent out on loan by Spurs three times – at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa – before breaking into the first team last season and playing a key role in their Europa League triumph.
-->Spence’s call-up caps a remarkable turnaround on the pitch for the former Middlesbrough right-back, who was sent out on loan by Spurs three times – at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa – before breaking into the first team last season and playing a key role in their Europa League triumph.
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Now, Spence says he wants to use his story as inspiration for others, while remaining focused on simply enjoying his football.
-->Now, Spence says he wants to use his story as inspiration for others, while remaining focused on simply enjoying his football.
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"I don't really feel the pressure for certain things. I just play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of yourself," he explained. "If I can do it, you can do it. Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it."
-->“I don’t really feel the pressure for certain things. I just play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of yourself,” he explained. “If I can do it, you can do it. Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it.”
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READ THE LATEST FASHION, CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE CONTENT FROM 90MIN
-->READ THE LATEST FASHION, CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE CONTENT FROM 90MIN
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