Tottenham defender Spencer said he always remembers everyone who has questioned his abilities, including coaches Conte and Neil Warnock, and the first-time English senior team was the most powerful strikeback.

Spencer admits that being in England's adult team has been a long journey. Before he gained a foothold in the Premier League last season, he was loaned out by Tottenham three times. Warnock also loaned out when coaching Middlesbrough in 2021 and warned him that if he doesn't work harder, he may only play in the amateur league in five years, but these doubts have helped the 25-year-old defender make a comeback.

Spencer said: "I didn't deliberately make a list, but I did remember those skeptics in mind. It felt great to prove them wrong. From youth football to the academy system, from stay-to-residence decisions to professional contracts, I always fight for my position and coexist with disappointment."

After the promotion to the top of Nottingham Forest, Spencer teased Warnock on social media. He posted photos of himself smoking a cigar with the upgraded trophy and @ the other party. After winning the Europa League last season, he posted the same photo again.

But the grudge with Conte is difficult to resolve. In 2022, the then Tottenham coach deliberately drew a clear line when he joined Spencer, saying that he was a club-level signing. Spencer's confidence was on the verge of collapse when Rennes finished his first season on loan.

Although he was loaned to Leeds United and Genoa for the first season under Postkoglu, he was still grateful to the coach: "He made me the Europa League champion. The biggest difficulty was that he did not feel recognition when he first joined Tottenham. My mother was a Tottenham. At that time, I joined with the glory that helped Forest advance to the Super League, but I was frustrated due to the coach's remarks and confidence in not being able to play. That period was very difficult."

" During the loan period, I was able to play first, and then lost my position. Then I missed the 2023 U21 European Youth Championship (England won the championship in the end). This is another heavy blow. Sometimes misfortune does not happen in football, but the tempering of that period made me more tenacious. I am very happy to stand here now."

Faith has always been an important support for Spencer's low period. When he learned that he might become the first Muslim player in the Three Lions, he was also shocked by Tuchel's recruitment: "This is simply a god-given surprise! Is it really the first in history? This can not only inspire Muslim children, but also tell all children of faith: as long as you pursue your dreams with all your heart, you can do it."