Inter star Spence out of England squad for Croatia,...

Match Overview

England will be without Inter wing-back Spence for their upcoming international clash against Croatia following a minor calf strain sustained during training. The medical staff has opted for a cautious approach, ruling him out of the Zagreb fixture while clearing him to target a return against Spain three days later.

Managerial staff confirmed that no emergency replacement will be called up, with England relying on existing squad depth for the initial leg of this international double-header. The fixture against Croatia serves as a critical test before facing European powerhouses Spain in a game expected to decide the top spot in the group.

Key Stats & Facts

• Spence Club Form (Inter 2023/24 - 2024/25): 22 appearances across all competitions, 87.4% passing accuracy, 2.1 progressive carries per 90 minutes.
• England Form (Last 5 matches): 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss; 9 goals scored, 4 conceded.
• Croatia Form (Last 5 matches): 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss; 6 goals scored, 5 conceded.
• Head-to-Head Record: England hold 6 wins to Croatia’s 3 across 11 competitive meetings (2 draws), outscoring the Vatreni 22–13 overall.
• Discipline: England have averaged just 1.2 yellow cards per game across their last five international fixtures, committing 8.4 fouls per 90.

Player Spotlight: Spence

The 24-year-old has established himself as a dynamic two-way threat in Serie A this season, ranking in the 84th percentile for full-backs in successful take-ons (1.85 per 90) and the 89th percentile in progressive passes received (4.32 per 90). His absence removes a key transition outlet on the right flank against Croatia’s narrow defensive block.

England’s tactical setup will likely shift toward a more conservative wide presence, with Kyle Walker or Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to occupy the right-sided defensive role. Medical staff remain confident Spence will resume full training within 48 hours to prepare for Spain’s high-pressing wingers.

Standings Impact

England currently sit second in Group A with 7 points (+4 goal difference), trailing leaders Spain on 9 points (+6 GD). Croatia occupy third position with 4 points (-1 GD), facing a must-win scenario to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Group A Qualification Picture

• 1. Spain: 9 pts, +6 GD (Plays Scotland next)
• 2. England: 7 pts, +4 GD (Plays Croatia away)
• 3. Croatia: 4 pts, -1 GD (Plays England home)
• 4. Scotland: 1 pt, -9 GD (Plays Spain away)

A victory in Zagreb guarantees England at least a second-place finish, setting up a winner-takes-all clash against Spain on matchday six. A defeat against Croatia, however, would leave England needing a win against Spain to secure advancement to the knockout stage.