I don't know life. This man who made Kane cry, this man who picked Son Heung-min as the best...Footballing bell is thrilled to receive England cap
Sep 10, 2025
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A match debut is special in any country. England has a long tradition of presenting caps to players who make their A-match debut. 'Captain' Kane arranged a special time.
He talked in the locker room where all the players gathered. Kane said "Today we have a new debutant. I asked for this ceremony. I saw this player at Tottenham three or four years ago, and I did it because I know how much pain he went through."
And "He had to persevere and work hard. Now he has become an England international, and fully deserves this cap.'"I know how much effort it takes to get here, and I've seen what it's like, so I have mixed feelings. It must have been really hard..." and then I choked up.
Kane finally wishes to congratulate you, your family and everyone involved. You deserve this hat.'
The main character is Jed Spence, 25, who was on the verge of being released by Tottenham. 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.
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I came back a long way. Spence, who served as a representative of England's age group, moved 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.
However, the atmosphere was subtle 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.
I had no choice but to leave Tottenham to play. Spence was loaned to Stadren in French Ligue 1 in January 2023. He returned to Tottenham that summer. Coach Enze Postecoglou took the helm, but his fate did not change.
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. Genoa hoped for Spence's full recruitment. However, the transfer fee negotiations broke down.
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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.
Born to Jamaican parents, he is a Muslim. Spence made history with his first A-match debut in England.
Kane hugged Spence, presenting a hat. Colleagues gave Spence a warm ovation. Spence was surprised 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. 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 drew attention by choosing Son Heung-min along with Harry Kane when asked to select the best player he played with.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
