Tottenham defender Djed Spence has been urged to switch allegiances from England to Kenya after being snubbed by Thomas Tuchel in his latest squad selection. Spence has been one of Tottenham's standout stars in a tough season for the North London outfit after forcing his way into Ange Postecoglou 's starting XI. The full-back had previously been frozen out of the squad by the Australian but convinced him to give him another chance after a huge string of injuries and he is now a first-choice defender on the teamsheet. His performances led to suggestions he could be picked by Tuchel for games against Albania and Latvia, but was omitted. However, he told told former Three Lions star Rio Ferdinand he was still intent on playing for England in the future and vowed to keep working hard for a place. Former Kenya player Taiwo Atieno, though, feels Spence should consider playing for the Harambee Stars, who are currently managed by ex- Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy. He said Spence would become a major star in Africa if he changed his international allegiance and insisted he was not valued in the England set-up. "I was watching the Rio Ferdinand YouTube interview with Djed Spence, where he mentioned playing for England," he told Flashscore . "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. 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. “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. "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.” "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." Spurs signed Spence from Middlesbrough for around £20m in 2022 and he has gone on to play 30 games for the club, after loans at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa in the last two seasons. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.