Djed Spence suffers England setback just months after leaving Tottenham for Inter Milan

Djed Spence has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, delivering an early setback to the defender following his summer move from Tottenham Hotspur to Inter Milan.

The 26-year-old headed to Italy after enhancing his reputation with an impressive World Cup for England, but his first months at Inter have not gone according to plan.

Fitness problems and limited playing time have prevented Spence from establishing himself as a regular starter, and he has now lost his place in the England squad for the upcoming international window.

Spence’s omission is particularly notable given his role for England during the World Cup.

The defender entered the summer with his reputation significantly enhanced and subsequently left Tottenham for Serie A champions Inter, where the departure of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid appeared to create an opportunity.

So far, that pathway has not developed as expected.

Spence has struggled to build consistent rhythm in Italy, and Thomas Tuchel has instead selected Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Nico O’Reilly among his defensive options.

That does not mean Spence’s England career is over, but it demonstrates how quickly the competition for places can change when regular club football disappears.

Spence’s departure from Tottenham was understandable.

Pedro Porro was established as the club’s first-choice right-back, while Spence wanted more opportunities after his successful World Cup. Inter seemingly provided a route towards becoming a more prominent starter.

Instead, the opening weeks have produced the opposite outcome.

Spence has struggled for minutes and fitness, while Tottenham themselves were left without a natural specialist right-back behind Porro following his sale.

There is still plenty of time for Spence to establish himself at Inter. However, his confirmed England omission represents the first significant consequence of a move that has yet to deliver the regular football he was looking for.

Spence’s immediate challenge is to establish himself in Inter’s starting XI and rebuild the momentum he carried out of the World Cup.

England’s door remains open, but his omission shows that World Cup performances alone will not protect his place. Regular club football is now crucial if he wants to return to Tuchel’s squad.