Full-back Jed Spence has earned his first call-up to England’s senior squad for two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia on September 6 and 10. Should he take the field, the 25-year-old will become the first practising Muslim to represent the England men’s national team.
Spence described his selection as both a source of pride and a surprise. He admitted he had never spoken to the national team coach before receiving the news, making the opportunity all the more unexpected. The chance to break new ground in English football, he said, is giving him extra motivation ahead of the matches.
Born and raised in London, Spence has roots in both Kenya and Jamaica. His football journey began in Fulham’s academy, where he honed his skills before making his professional debut with Middlesbrough in 2018. After struggling to secure a long-term place in the side, he joined Nottingham Forest on loan in 2021.
His performances at Forest were instrumental in the club’s promotion to the Premier League, catching the attention of top-flight teams. Now, with a historic debut potentially just days away, Spence stands on the verge of adding a landmark chapter to both his career and England’s footballing story.
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