Heung-min, I'm the first one to make my first A-match debut, becoming the myth of the reversal of Spence's life that Conte abandoned...I'm thrilled to have made history
Sep 10, 2025
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Spence, who was selected for the first time for the English national team, made his A-match debut on the 10th (Korea time) in the sixth round of Group K against Serbia in the 2026 North-China World Cup European qualifying round at Stadion Leiko Mitich in Belgrade, Serbia.
He was replaced by Reece James in the 23rd minute of the second half. England defeated Serbia 5-0. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arnall), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Mark Gehi (Crystal Felice) and Marcus Rashford (Barcelona) scored relay goals.
Spence's first step was his first A-match debut in England. Born to Jamaican parents, he is a Muslim. England's 'BBC' explained that `Spence became the first Muslim player to play for the men's A team, a milestone not only in the UK but also abroad.'
Spence is famous for the myth of life reversal. He moved his nest to Tottenham from Middlesbrough in the Championship (Second Division) in July 2022. The transfer fee was 20 million pounds (about 37.5 billion won) including the option.
But it was squeaky from the start. Antonio Conte, the Tottenham head coach at the time, turned a blind eye. He classified Spence as out of power, saying it was not a recruit he wanted. He was substituted for only four games in the English Premier League (EPL) in the first season. The playing time was only three minutes based on regular time.
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He left for Leeds United in the Championship (Second Division) again. But there was no reversal. He played only seven games, and returned to Tottenham after his loan ended early in January last year.
He was immediately loaned back to Italy's Serie A club Genoa. It only succeeded in rebounding in Serie A. He played in 16 games. Genoah wanted Spence to be fully enlisted.
However, negotiations over the transfer fee continued for a month, but it broke down. Tottenham set 8.5 million pounds (about 16 billion won) as the lower limit, but Genoa reportedly demanded a lower transfer fee.
Spence made a fresh start for Tottenham. He impressed in the preseason, and Postecoglou concluded that he was second to none as a "back-up fullback". It wasn't a 'backup'. He became the main player, playing both left and right fullbacks in the gaps between Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogi.
Spence scored two goals in 35 appearances in all tournaments, including 25 EPL matches last season. The treatment has changed, too. He recently signed a long-term contract after extending his contract with Tottenham by one year in October last year. The contract period is until June 2029.
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Spence was surprised after the match against Serbia because he didn't know I was the first Muslim, which is a blessing. It's good to make history. It is also good to inspire children around the world that they can do the same. They can do what I do" he said.
And "Whatever religion you believe in, just believe in God. God is the greatest man to me, and he never disappoints me. I was a little emotional because the journey was not easy. Now I'm officially an England player, and I'm really happy."
Spence recently chose Son Heung-min along with Harry Kane when asked to name the best player he played with. When Son Heung-min broke up with Tottenham early last month, he posted on social media 'True leader, true captain, true legend. The best person I've ever met on the world soccer stage. Thank you for your leadership on and off the field. It was a real honor to share and run the ground with you. Tottenham legend' said a loving goodbye.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
