Thomas Tuchel drops Djed Spence for Croatia, hopes for Spain

Thomas Tuchel confirmed Inter’s Djed Spence will miss England’s clash with Croatia but should be available for the Spain game this weekend. England sit second in Nations League Group 3 behind Spain after three wins following a 3‑2 home loss to the World Cup winners; they host Luka Modric’s Croatia on Thursday and face Spain in the final group match on Sunday.

Injury update and recent appearances

Spence is dealing with injury problems that affect both England and Inter.

Djed Spence #25 of England walked out of the tunnel before the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi‑final between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on 15 July 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

England manager Thomas Tuchel said in today’s press conference that Spence and Ezri Konsa will miss the Croatia game but should be back in full training by Saturday.

Tuchel added that Spence should be ready for the Spain trip, although it looks unlikely he will start.

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The 26‑year‑old has endured a tough season, having been a key figure in England’s World Cup run to the semi‑final and helping secure third place over the summer.

Djed Spence #25 of England reacted after the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze final between France and England at Miami Stadium on 18 July 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

He transferred from Tottenham Hotspur to Inter on 15 August, but did not debut until 10 October in a 3‑0 Serie A win over Parma.

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Since then Spence has struggled for fitness but has played the full 90 minutes in three consecutive matches across Serie A and the Champions League, providing two assists.