- Djed Spence, who has Kenyan roots, has been called up to the England senior team squad for the first time ever.
- Spence is eligible to play for Harambee Stars since his mother was born in Kenya.
- Former Harambee Stars player Taiwo Atieno recently urged Spence to ditch the Three Lions and play for Kenya.
Tottenham Hotspur player Djed Spence, who is eligible to play for the Kenya national men’s football team Harambee Stars, has been called up to the England squad for the first time.
Spence is among two Premier League players that received their first call-ups to the Three Lions squad on Friday, August 29, 2025 ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Andorra and Serbia.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has also received his maiden call-up to the squad that is managed by Thomas Tuchel.
Apart from Anderson and Spence, the other stars who have made it to the 24-member squad are Arsenal new signings Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.
Others include Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins, Dan Burns, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Dean Henderson, Declan Rice and John Stones.
Why Spence is eligible to play for Harambee Stars
Spence is eligible to play for the Kenya football team since his mother has Kenyan roots.
According to Kenya’s constitution, an individual can qualify to become a citizen by birth provided, at the time of birth, one of the parents is a citizen of Kenya. This law applies to a child born in Kenya or in a foreign nation.
Therefore, since Spence’s mother was born in Kenya and his father Jamaica, the talented player has numerous options to choose from with regard to the national team he wishes to play for.
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However, it seems the 25-year-old has made the decision to represent England following his first senior team call-up.
Former Harambee Stars player Taiwo Atieno, who also has dual citizenship, recently advised Spence to play for Kenya.
“I’ve followed Djed’s football journey for the past four years now – I came across him because he’s a fellow South Londoner, and he has dual Kenyan heritage. He can play on either wing and is an exciting young player with courage and attacking flair. But as someone who once walked the same path of dual heritage in South London, I believe now is the right time to offer a different perspective – one shaped by experience.
Firstly, I would encourage Djed to come and meet our new coach, Benni McCarthy, and experience Kenya before making his final decision on which national team to represent. This important step in his career should be made with a fully informed view – not just based on surface-level assumptions,” he told Flash Score.
England football squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, John Stones
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Adam Wharton
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins
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