Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to sell Djed Spence to Serie A champions Inter Milan during the summer transfer window divided opinion among Spurs supporters.
Many fans were frustrated by the transfer, particularly because Tottenham did not bring in another natural right-back to provide cover for Pedro Porro. However, the club had limited options after Spence made it clear that he wanted a new challenge.
Following an impressive World Cup with England, Spence’s reputation had grown considerably, and the defender reportedly wanted to join a Champions League club. With Inter having also sold Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid, the move appeared to offer Spence a better opportunity to compete for regular first-team football.
At Tottenham, meanwhile, Porro remained the established first-choice right-back, making consistent starts difficult for Spence.
However, things have not gone according to plan in Italy. Spence has struggled with his fitness and has yet to establish himself as a regular starter for Inter. His lack of playing time could now have consequences for his international career as well.
Spence facing England setback
According to Tom Barclay of The Sun, England manager Thomas Tuchel is not currently expected to include Spence in his squad for the upcoming international break because the defender has not played enough football for Inter to be considered match-sharp.
Tuchel is also not expected to name an expanded squad, meaning there may be no additional place available for Spence.
That does not necessarily mean the door is closed on the 25-year-old. If he begins playing regularly and performs well for Inter, Tuchel could still recall him in future international windows. His performances for England at the World Cup could also remain a factor in the manager’s thinking.
Nevertheless, missing the next England squad would represent a significant setback for Spence and could be an early indication of a worrying trend.
The move to Inter was supposed to take his career to another level, but the situation highlights that moving to a bigger club does not always guarantee greater opportunities.
At Tottenham, Spence may have been behind Porro and Destiny Udogie in the pecking order, but injuries to Udogie last season still gave him considerable playing time. He could also have been handed opportunities this season, particularly with Porro still working his way back to full fitness following the World Cup.
Instead, Spence is currently struggling to secure regular football in Milan, and his decision to leave Tottenham could already be looking less appealing.
If his lack of playing time continues, the defender risks seeing his momentum disappear — and even his place in the England setup could become increasingly difficult to retain.
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