Former Leeds United loanee Djed Spence has revealed that his faith and a strong mindset helped him through some difficult times, as he prepares to win his first England cap.
The Spurs full-back has been called into Thomas Tuchel's squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Andorra and Serbia over the coming days after impressing for Tottenham last season.
He will become England's first openly Muslim player to win a senior cap if he gets the nod from Tuchel, and the 25-year-old says he is honoured and surprised to learn of the potential accolade.
It's a far cry from some tough periods in his career folllowing his initial move to Spurs. The manager Antonio Conte dismissed the move as a club signing, and a loan spell at Elland Road was cut short by Daniel Farke.
"I did really well, got promoted with Nottingham Forest," Spence said. "I am buzzing, I am going to sign for Tottenham. So, to hear comments like that (from Conte) wasn't nice. It does shatter your confidence a bit.
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"But, you know, I am fighter, so whatever I do I will try to do my best in everything I can."
Spence would end up spending time on loan at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa, forever keeping in mind that "when you believe in yourself and trust in God everything will align with itself".
That approach eventually brought a full Spurs debut last December, two-and-a-half-years after he joined, in what proved a breakthrough campaign that culminated in Europa League glory.
Spence's substitute appearance in the Bilbao final was all the more impressive given he started the season by being omitted from Ange Postecoglou's group stage squad.
"Without a strong mentality, you won't make it to the top," he said. "I definitely think I have got a strong mentality, especially to fight through challenges."
Using criticism as fuel has helped on that front, as seen when Spence tagged his critical former Boro and Leeds boss Neil Warnock in a social media post posing with the play-off trophy and a celebratory cigar.
"I wouldn't say I particularly have a list or anything," he said with a smile when asked if he put names in a little black book.
"But I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong."
Spence's ability to fight for his position and deal with disappointment has shone throughout his journey to the England squad via the road less travelled - something he hopes can inspire others.
"If I can do it, you can do it," he said. "Not just Muslim kids, any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it, man."