Soccer Football - World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group K - Serbia v England - Stadion Rajko Mitic, Belgrade, Serbia - September 9, 2025 England manager Thomas Tuchel gives instructions to England's Djed Spence before he comes on as a substitute Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
BELGRADE (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence made history on Tuesday when he came off the bench in Belgrade to become the first Muslim to earn a senior cap for England.
Spence, 25, replaced Chelsea's Reece James in the 69th minute of England's 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory.
"I was surprised because I didn't know I was the first, so it's a blessing," London-born Spence said.
"It's 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."
Spence's first England appearance is a landmark moment for British Muslims who are under-represented in professional football in the country, despite making up 6% of the population.
"It's a moment of celebration for British Muslims," Ebadur Rahman, founder of Nujum Sports, an organisation which supports more than 400 Muslim athletes through faith advice and professional counselling, said ahead of the game.
"Djed has big responsibility on his shoulders - not only is he playing for England, he is playing for Muslims around the world because he is now a role model breaking a barrier."
Spence began his professional career with Middlesbrough before joining Tottenham in 2022.
After a tough start with the London club and being loaned out three times, he has become an important part of the squad and played in their Europa League final victory last season.
His elevation to senior England international is being seen as a breakthrough moment for British Muslims.
"We just haven't had the Muslim players coming through," Yunus Lunat, a grassroots coach and former chair of the Football Association's race equality advisory board, told the BBC.
"Muslims haven't had enough opportunities or enough role models for young, aspiring players to follow.
"It's not particularly good that it's taken until 2025 for a Muslim to play for England."
Spence said earning his first England cap had been an emotional moment.
"Whatever religion you believe in, just believe in God," Spence said.
"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."
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Toby Davis and Himani Sarkar)
