Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence made history on Tuesday night as he marked his senior England debut in a resounding 5-0 win over Serbia.
Spurs legend Harry Kane handed Spence his legacy cap for his remarkable feat. Spence became the first openly Muslim player to represent the Three Lions.
Spence was introduced in the 69th minute in Belgrade, replacing Reece James, with the Three Lions already three goals to the good thanks to strikes from Kane, Noni Madueke and Ezri Konsa.
Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford sealed a dominant World Cup qualifying victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
It was another milestone moment for Spence, who has battled back from a difficult start to life at Tottenham to cement himself as a regular for the club.
The 25-year-old’s call-up this month was richly deserved, and his 21-minute cameo means he has now become the 80th Spurs player to represent the England men’s senior side.
But the most memorable moment of the night came afterwards in the dressing room.
Kane, who had opened the scoring with a guided header from a Declan Rice corner, asked to present Spence with his red legacy cap.
Fighting back tears, the Bayern Munich striker praised his former Spurs teammate’s resilience.
“I saw this player three or four years ago at Tottenham and he had to go through a lot,” Kane said (via England’s social media).
“He kept his head up, worked hard, and now he’s an England player. He fully deserves this.”
Spence, visibly moved, responded: “Grateful to make my debut. It’s been a long journey, but I finally made it here. God is great.”
He later described it as the “proudest day of my life” on social media.
Spence has been a mainstay in the Spurs XI this season under Thomas Frank, deputising at left-back in the absence of Destiny Udogie.
He has helped the club keep two clean sheets in three league outings.
The Kensington-born star also signed a new long-term deal with Tottenham and looks set to be a staple in the team for years.