The 24-year-old, who mainly plays as a right-back, but has also been deployed as a left-back, is still eligible to play for the East African nation having been born to a Kenyan mother and a Jamaican father in the United Kingdom. There were rumours recently that Spence was being considered by coach Benni McCarthy to play for Harambee Stars.
In March 2022, Spence earned a first international call-up to the England under-21 squad for the European Championship Qualifying matches against Andorra and Albania and made his debut as a substitute during a 3-0 victory away to the latter on 29 March 2022. However, he is yet to play for England’s senior team the Three Lions, thus making him eligible to play for Kenya, Jamaica or England.
Interestingly, Atieno found himself in a similar situation, having been born to a Kenyan father, a British mother and raised in England. In January 2009, Atieno declared his desire to play for Harambee Stars by telling the media: “It has been my dream to play for Kenya since I was 13.”
After his request, Kenya's immigration department stated that Atieno had to renounce his British citizenship before he could be granted a Kenyan passport, and this seemed unlikely. However, Atieno received special permission because the new Kenyan constitution allowed for dual citizenship, and he was immediately named in the Harambee Stars squad for the 2009 World Cup qualifiers.
He made his debut as a late substitute in the June 2009 qualifier against Mozambique, played the whole of a friendly defeat in Bahrain, was again a substitute in the second qualifier against Mozambique, and played 46 minutes in the 1-0 qualifying defeat against Tunisia.
On February 29th, 2012, Atieno returned to Harambee Stars after three years away, gaining his fifth cap, after coming on as an 85th-minute substitute in a 2-1 win over Togo during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
Spence’s omission from past England squads raised questions about whether he might switch allegiances to Kenya’s Harambee Stars, where he would likely secure an automatic starting spot due to his high level of play.
However, in a recent interview, Spence, spoke openly about his international future, addressing speculation regarding which national team he will represent in the coming years.
“Who doesn’t want to play for their country? That’s something I’m looking forward to. If I get called up, happy days; if I don’t, I’ll just keep working hard,” Spence told Football.London. “I haven’t heard from anyone. I’m just focusing on right now. I just want to keep playing well and help the team win games.”
In another interview with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Spence revealed his desire to play for England. While Spence was once again not called up by England in the just concluded FIFA international break, the former Nottingham Forest player, still has the chance to switch allegiance and play for Harambee Stars.
Why Djed Spence should consider Kenya over 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 should Spence make the choice of playing for Kenya, he would end up being the captain of the side.
“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,” offered Atiendo. “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.”
Atieno believes that switching allegiance to Kenya could help Spence become a household name, not just as a footballer, but as a brand, a movement, and a symbol of dual identity done right.
“It’s important to highlight that Africa is the next frontier for sports and commerce. The continent has a population of 1.4 billion people and a GDP (PPP) of $10 trillion USD. In addition, the African diaspora sends an estimated $100 billion USD back to the continent each year,” explained Atieno.
“East Africa alone has a population of 500 million, an average age of 21, and a GDP (PPP) of $2 trillion USD. As one of the few high-profile players of Kenyan heritage, Djed would command significant attention from brands looking to align with authenticity, youth, and global aspiration.
"While endorsements in the UK are highly competitive, in Kenya and East Africa he could become a household name - not just as a footballer, but as a brand, a movement, and a symbol of dual identity done right.
“He would also gain first-mover advantage in business opportunities - from launching football academies (maybe even his own pro club) to partnering with government and private sector projects. Over the past 15 years Africa has produced over $750m USD of football talent with little or no investment. Kenya is open to diaspora football visionaries, who want to grow the game and empower youth.”
Djed Spence has potential to become a national icon
According to Atieno, who previously played in the Football League for Walsall, Rochdale, Chester City, Darlington, Torquay United and Barnet and in the USL First Division for the Puerto Rico Islanders and Rochester Rhinos, Spence has the potential to become a national icon, opens doors for others and inspires millions across the continent.
“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,” said Atieno. “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.”
He concluded: “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.”
Spence primarily plays as a right-back, and is known for his pace and dribbling ability. He has been praised by Ian Wright, who described him as “combative, technical, swashbuckling”, and Wes Morgan, who compared him to a Rolls-Royce.
Apart from Tottenham and Forest, he has played on loan for Genoa, Leeds United, and Rennes. Spence played a vital role in Nottingham Forest’s promotion-winning side, and was featured in both the EFL Championship Team of the Season and the PFA Championship Team of the Season.
Follow Spence's next game with Tottenham here.
