YOU'VE GOTTA HAVE FAITH

Trailblazing Muslim star Spence says Three Lions call is a 'blessing' after belief in God helped him through dark days with Spurs

- BY JOHN CROSS Chief Football Writer X@johncrossmirror

DJED SPENCE is set to create his own piece of history by becoming the first Muslim to play for England.

The Tottenham defender, 25, has revealed his pride in being a trailblazer and also how his faith has helped him overcome the hardest times in his career.

The Football Association will also recognise it as a point in time for the first openly Muslim player to represent the senior England team ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra at Villa Park.

Spence said: “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing, I was surprised, really, first ever. I don’t have the words.

“It shows if I can do it, you can do it. Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it.

“It's a big deal to play for England. I don't really feel the pressure for certain things. I play football with a smile on my face, be happy, and the rest will take care of itself.”

Spence has endured a rollercoaster career which has taken him from Middlesbrough to Nottingham Forest onto Tottenham and then loan spells with Rennes, Leeds and Genoa.