Overview

• Thomas Tuchel has selected the 25-year-old Tottenham full-back for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra on Saturday at Villa Park and Serbia on Tuesday in Belgrade.
• Spence says Antonio Conte’s early comments at Spurs and a lack of game time shattered his confidence, and he keeps a mental note of those who doubted him.
• He links his resilience to his Muslim faith, saying he prays, gives gratitude to God, and hopes his journey encourages children of all faiths.
• After loan spells at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa, he broke through at Spurs, featured in last season’s Europa League win, and has impressed under new manager Thomas Frank.
• Whether he debuts this week remains undecided, with his inclusion also placing him in the conversation for England’s 2026 World Cup squad.