Kenya’s Harambee Stars face an uphill battle in their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence, as the young right-back’s recent form has ignited speculation of an imminent call-up to the England national team.
Spence, eligible to represent both England and Kenya through his parentage, has long been a potential target for the Harambee Stars.
However, his recent performances for Spurs suggest his international future may lie with the Three Lions.
Spence’s journey at Tottenham Hotspur began with limited first-team opportunities, initially hindering his chances of breaking into the England squad.
This period offered hope for Kenya, as the defender’s availability for international football remained open.
However, a recent surge in form, highlighted by a standout performance against Manchester United, has dramatically shifted the narrative.
His display against United earned him widespread praise, including accolades from prominent football pundits like Gary Neville and Gary Lineker.
Neville lauded Spence’s defensive contributions, while Lineker emphasized his all-around performance and suggested that England’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel, would have been impressed.
Lineker even alluded to the previous concerns about England’s left-back position, highlighting the rapid rise of Spence’s stock.
With England’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March, Spence’s improved form has placed him firmly in contention for a national team debut.
This development poses a significant challenge to Kenya’s hopes of securing his services.
The increasing attention from England’s football establishment makes it increasingly likely that Spence will choose to represent the Three Lions, potentially ending any lingering hopes of him donning the Harambee Stars jersey.
