An emotional Harry Kane presented former Tottenham team-mate Djed Spence with his legacy cap in heartwarming scenes from the England dressing room after their huge win over Serbia.
Having not played in Saturday’s 2-0 victory against Andorra at Villa Park following his maiden senior call-up by Thomas Tuchel, former Under-21 international Spence was introduced as a second-half substitute in Belgrade on Tuesday night, impressing after replacing Reece James for the final 21 minutes of a 5-0 rout at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
It was another major milestone for Spence, who has fought back admirably to earn a starting role at Spurs after some difficult early years at the club and also now a place with England, for whom he is believed to have become the first Muslim player ever to play for the men’s senior side.
What was already a memorable night for the 25-year-old full-back was taken to another level still by receiving his red legacy cap marking that debut from captain Kane, who could not hide his emotions at the rise of his former team-mate.
“We had a new debut today, I asked to do this because I saw this player three or four years ago at Tottenham and he had to go through a lot,” Kane - who scored England’s opening goal against Serbia with a first-half header from Declan Rice’s corner - said in the dressing room in footage posted to England’s official social media channels.
“He had to keep his head up. He had to work hard and now he’s an England player. He fully deserves this, I’m a little bit emotional because I know how much it takes to get here and I saw what it was like, and it was tough for you.”
Kane added before embracing Spence and handing him the cap to loud cheers from the rest of the England squad: “Credit to you and your family, everyone involved. You deserve this.”
Who’s cutting onions? 🥲
— England (@England) September 9, 2025
A special moment in the #ThreeLions dressing room, as an emotional @HKane presents @DjedSpence with his legacy cap 🧢❤️ pic.twitter.com/VgygTeriAJ
Spence then said: “Grateful to make my debut. I’m over the moon, it’s been a long journey but I finally made it here. God is great man. Thank you.”
Today arguably the Greatest and Proudest day of my life ♥️🦁Honoured to make my England debut🦁A day I’ve dreamt of all my life & now has become a reality🤲🏾 GOD IS THE GREATEST !#GODSPEED pic.twitter.com/W773rbjnmJ
— Djed Spence (@DjedSpence) September 9, 2025
He later wrote on social media: “Today arguably the greatest and proudest day of my life. Honoured to make my England debut. A day I’ve dreamt of all my life and now has become a reality. God is the greatest.”
