Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence (pictured) has been urged to consider playing for Kenya’s  national football team , with former Harambee Stars striker Taiwo Atieno making a passionate case for the 24-year-old to lead a new era in Kenyan football.

Spence, who is eligible to represent Kenya (having been born to a Kenyan mother and Jamaican father in the United Kingdom) has yet to earn a senior cap for England, leaving the door open for a potential call-up by coach Benni McCarthy.

Atieno believes Spence could become a key figure for the Harambee Stars, shaping the future of the national team and inspiring a new generation of players.

In March 2022, Spence earned his first international call-up to the England Under-21 squad for the European Championship qualifying matches against Andorra and Albania. He made his debut as a substitute during a 3-0 victory away to the latter on March 29, 2022.

However, he is yet to play for England’s senior team, the Three Lions, making him eligible to represent Kenya, Jamaica, or England. 

“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,” Atieno told Flashscore. 

“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.” 

Atieno continued: “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.” 

Atieno further believes that if Spence chooses to play for Kenya, he could eventually captain the side. 

“Unlike England, where the depth of talent (especially at wing-back) 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,” Atieno explained.