Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence could become the first openly Muslim player to represent England's senior men's team when Thomas Tuchel's side face Andorra and Serbia.
Speaking at England's training base, Spence expressed his astonishment at the historic significance.
"I've seen that," he said. "It's a blessing, it's amazing. I did see something like that. I was surprised, really, first ever. It's just amazing. I don't have the words really."
The versatile defender, who has previously earned six caps at under-21 level, was one of two fresh faces in Tuchel's squad.
Djed Spence could become England's first Muslim footballer
|REUTERS
Despite the potential milestone, Spence remains unfazed by any additional pressure. "I just play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of itself," he said.
Faith has served as the cornerstone of Spence's identity throughout his career, particularly during periods of adversity.
JUST IN: England players leave the field after racist abuse with game suspended twice
"First things first, God is the greatest," he explained. "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."
The defender regularly acknowledges his religious beliefs on social media platforms and credits his faith with helping him navigate professional setbacks.
"When I'm winning, when I'm in a good moment, I promote God as well because he's always been by my side. It's a big thing for me, my faith," Spence said.
This spiritual foundation proved crucial when former Tottenham manager Antonio Conte publicly dismissed him as merely a club signing after his 2022 transfer from Middlesbrough.
Djed Spence has dedicated his career pathway to religion
|REUTERS
The £20 million move to Spurs followed his Championship play-off triumph with Nottingham Forest, yet Conte's dismissive remarks shattered the defender's confidence.
"I did really well, got promoted with Nottingham Forest," Spence recalled. "I am buzzing, I am going to sign for Tottenham. So, to hear comments like that wasn't nice. It does shatter your confidence a bit."
His response demonstrated characteristic resilience. "But, you know, I am fighter, so whatever I do I will try to do my best in everything I can."
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Multiple loan spells followed at Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa as Spence maintained his belief that "when you believe in yourself and trust in God everything will align with itself."
His patience was rewarded with a full Tottenham debut in December 2024, two-and-a-half years after joining the club.
The breakthrough campaign culminated in Europa League glory, with Spence appearing as a substitute in the Bilbao final despite initially being excluded from Ange Postecoglou's group-stage squad.
"Without [a strong] mentality, you won't make it to the top," Spence reflected. "I definitely think I have got a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges."
Thomas Tuchel picked Djed Spence as one of two players who have never been placed in an England squad before, as well as Elliot Anderson
| PAThe defender has transformed criticism into motivation throughout his career, memorably tagging former Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock in a social media post featuring the play-off trophy and celebratory cigar.
When asked about keeping a list of doubters, Spence smiled. "I wouldn't say I particularly have a list or anything. But I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong."
His journey through football's less conventional path now serves as inspiration for the next generation.
"If I can do it, you can do it," Spence declared. "Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it, man."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Djed Spence has become a key player at Tottenham
|REUTERS
The defender's message resonates as England prepare for crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures this week.
Tuchel's squad, currently leading Group K with three victories from three matches, host Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before travelling to Belgrade for Tuesday's encounter with Serbia.