One of Englands uncapped new call-ups has spoken of enjoying proving his doubters wrong as he progresses in his career.
Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence was included in Thomas Tuchels England squad for their World Cup qualifying matches against Andorra and Serbia.
It was Spences first senior selection for the national team and marks the culmination of his return from frustrating early days in north London. Tuchel picked him ahead of Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold prior to the Andorra game at Villa Park on Saturday.
Djed Spence is back to his best under Thomas Frank
The Londoner was on a positive path in the summer of 2022. Formerly a Fulham academy player, Spence had spent the previous season on loan with Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough and parlayed a hugely impressive campaign into a dream move to Spurs.
That transfer didnt quite go to plan. Manager Antonio Conte dismissed Spence as a club signing but did give him a handful of appearances before the full-back was sent on the first of three loans to Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa that totalled just 31 league appearances.
The England Under-21 international bounced back with Spurs, winning the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou and playing the entirety of Spurs first three Premier League fixtures this season.
Spurs won Thomas Franks first two matches against Burnley and Manchester City without conceding a goal and Spence was deployed on the left in both.
Speaking to the press after his call-up, the defender addressed his troubled journey since leaving Middlesbrough.
The biggest hurdle is when I signed for Tottenham and I didnt necessarily feel the love straight away, said Spence.
I was on such a high going into the club. Id done really well, got promoted with Nottingham Forest. I am buzzing, I am going to sign for Tottenham.
So to hear comments like that [from Conte] wasnt nice. It does shatter your confidence a bit. I almost came crashing down because of comments from the manager and not playing. I was in a difficult space.
Spence described himself as a fighter and admitted that he keeps a mental note of his doubters and revels in proving them wrong.
Ive always had that from a young age, from grassroots football to academy if youre going to stay on or get released or get your scholar [contract] to being a professional. Ive always had to fight for my position and deal with disappointment, he said.
Spence has joined up with the England squad for the first time and would love to make his senior international debut at Villa Park.
If he does so, hell become the first practising Muslim to play for England.
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