Djed Spence: From Doubters to England Dream - A Journey Fueled by Resilience
Sept 03, 2025
Djed Spence, fueled by past doubts from figures like Antonio Conte and Neil Warnock, earns his first England call-up at 25. His journey, marked by loan spells and social media celebrations, inspires others to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.
Tottenham Hotspur's Djed Spence admits his journey to the England national team hasn't been a straightforward one, and that criticisms from several figures have played a key role in motivating him. He openly acknowledges holding onto the disparaging remarks made by individuals like Antonio Conte and Neil Warnock, using them as fuel to prove his capabilities. The possibility of earning his first senior England cap now feels like a sweet vindication.
Reflecting on his career so far, the 25-year-old defender points out that he endured multiple loan spells away from Tottenham before finally breaking through to regular Premier League action last season. Before that, while on loan at Middlesbrough, former manager Neil Warnock issued a stark warning that Spence needed to improve his application or risk dropping down the football pyramid.
Spence views those negative assessments as crucial to his resilience. He would be extremely proud to potentially become the first Muslim player to represent England at the senior level, particularly if he features in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra or Serbia.
"I wouldn't say I keep a physical record," Spence stated, "but I definitely remember the people who didn't believe in me. Proving them wrong is a great feeling." He explained that he has faced such challenges throughout his career, from his early days in youth football to securing professional contracts. Spence believes he has been forced to consistently compete for his position and has become adept at dealing with setbacks.
Spence previously used social media to playfully respond to Warnock, posting a picture with a celebratory cigar after winning promotion to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest (where he was on loan from Middlesbrough) and tagging Warnock in the post. He recreated a similar image after securing the Europa League title.
However, his relationship with Antonio Conte appears less amicable. When Spence joined Tottenham in 2022, Conte seemed to distance himself from the signing, referring to Spence as "an investment by the club" and emphasizing that the decision to purchase him came from above. Spence later spent time on loan at Rennes, a period he describes as damaging to his self-belief.
His initial season with Ange Postecoglou also resulted in loan stints at Leeds and Genoa. Despite this, he insists that he will always be thankful to Postecoglou because "he turned me into a champion" by including him in the Europa League winning squad.
"The toughest time was when I first signed for Tottenham and didn't immediately feel supported," Spence revealed. His mother, Aisha, is a devoted Spurs fan, which made it all the harder. "I was coming off the back of a really successful season, having won promotion with Nottingham Forest. I was excited to join Tottenham. To hear those sorts of comments was disheartening. It really dented my confidence. The manager's remarks and lack of playing time really got to me. I was in a bad place."
He added, "I went out on loan, initially played a bit, then stopped. Then the Under-21 Euros came around [in 2023], but I got injured right before. That was another setback, especially as the team went on to win the tournament. Sometimes, in football, when things start to go wrong, they really spiral. That was a very difficult period. But I am a fighter. I'm here now, so I'm grateful."
Spence's religious faith has been a source of strength throughout his challenges. While delighted with his call-up under Thomas Tuchel, he was astonished when informed that he might become the first Muslim to play for the England senior team. "I did hear something about that," he said.
"It's a blessing, it's incredible. I was surprised to be the first. If I can achieve this, anyone can. It's [important] not only for Muslim youth, but for all kids, of any religion. Set your goals and you can accomplish them, without a doubt."
