Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence wrote his name in the history of English football to have represented England seniors as the first British Muslim footballer on Tuesday night in Belgrade.

The 25-year-old substituted in the 69th minute, replacing Chelsea’s Reece James, during England’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying win.

Spence’s debut is being marked as a breaking point for British Muslims, who still remain neglected in professional football despite the fact that around six percent of the UK population identifies as Muslim.

Born in London to Jamaican parents, Spence started his professional career at Middlesbrough, cracking into senior football as a teenager. In 2022, he secured a move to Tottenham Hotspur, though his early years in North London were challenging, marked by three loan spells away from the club.

Spence fought his way back into the Spurs squad and played a key role in their Europa League final victory last season, cementing his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable right-backs.

The defender admitted he was not aware of the milestone until after the match. “I was surprised because I didn’t know I was the first, so it’s a blessing. It is 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,” said Spance.

For Spence, the night was not only a professional breakthrough but also a deeply personal and spiritual one.

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