Spence excluded for the Croatia match, but ready for the Spanish challenge

Inter wide man Djed Spence will not be part of England's squad for the match against Croatia, Thomas Tuchel confirmed, but he should be available for the Sunday meeting with Spain.

Situation in the Nations League

England are in Group 3 of the Nations League and sit in second place behind Spain, having won all three matches following the opening 3-2 defeat to the World Cup winners. They will host Croatia led by Luka Modric on Thursday evening and will finish the group with the direct clash in Spain on Sunday.

Spence, #25 of England, appeared in the tunnel before the 2026 World Cup semifinal against Argentina in ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15. Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed in today's press conference that Spence and Ezri Konsa will not play against Croatia, but they should be back to full‑intensity training by Saturday.

Thomas Tuchel drops Djed Spence for Croatia, hopes for Spain

Consequently, Spence should be ready for the trip to Spain, although it currently looks unlikely that the Inter player will start the lineup. It has been a difficult season for the twenty‑seven‑year‑old, who was a key figure in England's World Cup run up to the semifinal and the third‑place finish.

On July 18 in MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, Spence reacted after the bronze‑medal match of the 2026 World Cup between France and England. He transferred from Tottenham Hotspur to Inter on August 15, but had to wait until October 10 to make his debut in the 3‑0 victory over Parma.

Bellingham brothers train together as England eye Nations League games

Spence has struggled with fitness, but now he is regaining rhythm, playing the full 90 minutes in three consecutive matches across Serie A and the Champions League, providing two assists in those games.