Tottenham star urged to change his national allegiance to Kenya
Former Kenya national team striker Taiwo Atieno has now made a passionate plea to Tottenham’s Djed Spence asking him to change his national allegiance to Kenya after being left out of the most recent England squad.
To many people’s surprise, the Tottenham full-back did not find a place in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad despite being one of the best players in his position across the Premier League over the last few months.
Spence has admitted that he dreams of representing the Three Lions, with the Spurs man having previously been capped six times for England’s Under-21 side.
However, it turns out that he is also eligible to play for Kenya, and Spence has now been told that he should not think twice about changing his allegiance to the Harambee Stars.
Tottenham’s Djed Spence told to turn his back on England
Taiwo Atieno, who was born in London but went on to represent Kenya, has now urged Spence to allow follow suit.
He told the Tottenham man that he would be one of the main stars that the Kenyan side is built around and suggested that he has a chance to inspire a whole generation by representing the East African side.
Atieno said in an interview with Flash Score: “I was watching the Rio Ferdinand YouTube interview with Djed Spence, where he mentioned playing for England.
“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 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.”
“Secondly, Kenya – and East Africa more broadly – is undergoing a football transformation. The game is no longer just about what happens on the pitch. It’s about culture, influence, opportunity, and legacy.
“Choosing the Harambee Stars isn’t about turning away from English football; it’s about stepping up to lead a nation and inspire generations.”
Spence told representing Kenya could be great for his legacy
Atieno suggested that the benefit of representing Kenya over Spence’s country of birth extends beyond just football, insisting that the Spurs man could forge a huge legacy in the game by taking the nation to a World Cup.
The pundit told the 24-year-old that he can write his name into the African nation’s history books if he makes the switch.
Atieno added: “Unlike England, where the depth of talent, especially at wingbacks, often keeps even Premier League regulars on the fringes, Kenya offers Djed a chance to become a central figure – not just on the pitch, but in shaping the future of Kenyan football.
“With Kenya’s ambition to qualify for its first-ever FIFA World Cup, Djed could lead a golden generation and write a powerful new chapter in Kenyan and African football history.
“He would also benefit from regular game time, continental experience through AFCON (a globally recognised tournament), and the opportunity to influence the team’s playing style and culture. That’s a role that’s hard to come by in England – or anywhere in Europe.
“Representing Kenya isn’t just a career choice – it’s a legacy decision. It’s about being remembered not as one of many, but as one of one.
“In England, Djed may be a name on a long list. New young players in England pop up every other month. In Kenya, he has the potential to become a national icon – someone, who opens doors for others and inspires millions across the continent.
“As the first Kenyan in the diaspora to make the transition and to fight through all the bureaucracy and barriers back in 2009 just to wear the Harambee Stars shirt, I know how much it matters. I also know how much potential Kenya/East Africa has.
“My point is Djed should consider Kenya because he could write a story into the history books that hasn’t been written yet and leave a football legacy, during a post-career that is nearly impossible to obtain in England.”
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