Harry Kane fights back tears in speech about England's first Muslim player after Serbia win

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway, 


Published: 10/09/2025

- 07:30

Updated: 10/09/2025

- 07:45
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The Three Lions skipper was 'emotional' following the fixture in Belgrade

Harry Kane fought back tears as he presented Djed Spence with his first England cap in an emotional dressing-room moment following the Three Lions’ 5-0 win over Serbia in Belgrade.

Spence, 25, was handed his senior debut on Tuesday night after replacing Reece James in the 69th minute at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.

The Tottenham full-back, who received his first call-up from Thomas Tuchel earlier this month, impressed during his 21-minute cameo as England cruised to a dominant victory.

Kane, who scored the opener with a first-half header from a Declan Rice corner, was given the honour of handing over Spence’s cap.

Harry Kane Djed Spence England Serbia

Harry Kane fought back tears as he presented Djed Spence with his first England cap in an emotional dressing-room moment following the Three Lions’ 5-0 win over Serbia in Belgrade

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ENGLAND/X

The presentation marked a remarkable milestone for Spence, who has endured setbacks since joining Spurs and fought his way into both a starting role at club level and now the national side.

He is also believed to be the first Muslim footballer to represent the England men’s senior team.

Speaking in front of his team-mates in footage released by England’s official social media channels, Kane paid tribute to Spence’s perseverance.

“We had a new debut today, I asked to do this because I saw this player three or four years ago at Tottenham and he had to go through a lot,” the 32-year-old said.

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“He had to keep his head up. He had to work hard and now he’s an England player.

"He fully deserves this. I’m a little bit emotional because I know how much it takes to get here and I saw what it was like, and it was tough for you.

"Credit to you and your family, everyone involved. You deserve this.”

Kane then embraced Spence, who was visibly moved as team-mates applauded and cheered.

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The defender replied: “Grateful to make my debut. I’m over the moon, it’s been a long journey but I finally made it here. God is great man. Thank you.”

Later, Spence reflected on the achievement in a social media post.

“Today arguably the greatest and proudest day of my life. Honoured to make my England debut. A day I’ve dreamt of all my life and now has become a reality. God is the greatest,” he wrote.

The night capped off a perfect international break for England, who followed up their 2-0 win over Andorra at Villa Park with an emphatic display in Belgrade, extending their run without conceding a competitive goal to more than ten hours.

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Djed Spence

Djed Spence came off the bench in England's victory over Serbia in Belgrade

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PA

Kane, speaking in a post-match interview, praised England for their dominant display.

"I spoke a lot yesterday about how we wanted to play – being on the front foot and being aggressive, and I think we showed our level today," he said.

"Even in the other games, we did well, but we didn't reach top form.

"We scored five and made it look comfortable. We can be proud of ourselves. It has been a great camp and we are in a great position.

Harry Kane England

Harry Kane scored as England cruised to a convincing World Cup qualifying win over Serbia

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PA

"They found it difficult to play. Whenever they did break, we recovered quickly. Overall, we can be pleased with the whole week and we will take this into the next camp. The energy has been higher and the level has been higher.

"We felt we had a good performance a few days ago. I know it wasn't the performance that everyone was excited about, but we did what we had to.

"Serbia are a good team, and we made them look average tonight."

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