Djed Spence has said he keeps a mental note of everyone who doubted his ability, including Antonio Conte and Neil Warnock, and that his first England call-up is a fitting rebuttal. The Tottenham full-back admitted it has been a long journey to reach the senior squad after three loan spells before establishing himself in the Premier League last season. Warnock, who loaned him out at Middlesbrough in 2021, warned he could be playing non-league football within five years.
Spence would take added pride in becoming the first Muslim to play for the senior England team if he features in the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra or Serbia. 'I wouldn't say I have a list, but I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, and it feels good to prove them wrong,' he said. He recalled fighting for his position from grassroots football through to being a professional.
Spence had fun with Warnock on social media after winning promotion to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, tweeting a photo with the playoff trophy and a cigar. He reprised the image after winning the Europa League. But there is no love lost with Conte, who in 2022 called him 'an investment of the club' and distanced himself from the defender. Spence ended his first Spurs season on loan at Rennes, his confidence shattered.
He also spent his first season under Ange Postecoglou on loan at Leeds and Genoa, but insists he is grateful to Postecoglou for making him a champion with the Europa League triumph. 'The biggest hurdle was when I signed for Tottenham and didn't feel the love straight away,' Spence said. 'Comments from the manager shattered my confidence. I was in a difficult space.'
Spence's faith has been important during tough times. He was surprised to learn he could be the first Muslim to play for England's senior team. 'It's a blessing, amazing. I was surprised, first ever. If I can do it, you can do it. It's important for any child of any faith,' he said.
