Harry Kane got emotional when he was presenting Djed Spence with his England cap after the Tottenham full-back made his debut for the Three Lions in their win over Serbia.
It has been a summer to remember for Spence, who signed a new four-year deal with Spurs last month and carried on from where he left off last season, being one of the Lilywhites’ best players in the first few matches.
The call-up was much deserved, and the 25-year-old made his debut for England in their 5-0 win over Serbia, replacing Reece James at right-back on 69 minutes.
Spence made history by becoming the first-ever Muslim player to play for England, and his former Spurs teammate, Kane, was delighted with the full-back.
Harry Kane pays tribute to Djed Spence for a tough journey
Spence has spoken about his difficult journey at Tottenham, and that is something that Kane observed first-hand.
The England captain referenced that in his post-match cap presentation to the defender, stating that Spence had to “go through a lot” at Spurs.
Kane praised the defender for keeping his head down and working hard, remarking that the England cap was fully deserved.
The England captain said: “We have a new debut today. I asked to do this, because I saw this player three, four years ago at Tottenham and he had to go through a lot.
“He [Djed Spence] had to keep his head up. He had to work hard. Now he’s an England player so 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.
“Credit to you, your family, everyone involved – you deserve this one.”
Watch the striker’s speech below:
Kane’s statement suggests there was unfair treatment of Spence
It is well-known that Antonie Conte described Spence as a ‘club signing’ just weeks after he had signed for Tottenham and proceeded to barely give him any minutes.
Spence has admitted that Conte shattered his confidence but insisted that he never stopped fighting.
Kane’s comments suggest that there was a feeling inside the Tottenham dressing room that the Italian’s treatment of the full-back was not entirely fair.