2 Tottenham players suffer England disappointment

Thomas Tuchel has unveiled his first England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, sparking both celebration and disappointment among Tottenham Hotspur players.

While one Spurs star has earned a place in the 26-man roster, two others have been left frustrated after missing out on the call-up. The announcement has highlighted the fierce competition for spots in the national team, with Tuchel making some bold decisions as he begins his tenure as England manager.

Three Tottenham players—Djed Spence, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke—were in contention for a place in the squad, each with strong cases for inclusion.

Maddison, in particular, would have felt confident after his match-winning performance in Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. The attacking midfielder revealed he had spoken directly with Tuchel, fueling hopes that his recent form would secure him a spot.

However, despite his contributions, Maddison was overlooked, with Tuchel opting for Ajax’s Jordan Henderson instead. This marks another setback for Maddison, who has missed out on the last few England squads despite his consistent performances for Spurs.

Djed Spence, another Tottenham player who has been in stellar form, also failed to make the cut. The full-back, who was nominated for February’s Premier League Player of the Month award, has been a standout performer for Spurs this season.

His dynamic displays and defensive solidity had many believing he was ready for his first England call-up. However, Tuchel’s decision to leave him out of the squad means Spence will have to wait longer for his international debut.

Despite the disappointment, Spence has remained philosophical about the situation, emphasizing his commitment to continuing his strong performances for Tottenham.

Earlier this week, Spence addressed the possibility of earning an England call-up, demonstrating a mature and focused mindset. “Who doesn’t want to play for their country? That’s something I’m looking forward to,” he said.

“If I get called up, happy days. If I don’t, I’ll just keep working hard. I haven’t heard from anyone. I’m just focusing on right now—I want to keep playing well and help the team win games.” His comments reflect a player determined to let his performances on the pitch do the talking, rather than being disheartened by his omission.

The sole Tottenham representative in Tuchel’s squad is Dominic Solanke, who has been recalled after recovering from a recent injury layoff. Solanke’s inclusion is a testament to his resilience and ability to make an impact upon his return.

The centre-forward has been a key figure for Spurs this season, and his call-up provides a silver lining for the club amid the disappointment felt by Maddison and Spence. Solanke’s presence in the squad also underscores Tuchel’s willingness to reward players who have shown consistency and determination, even after setbacks.

Tuchel’s first squad selection has already sparked debate, with his choices reflecting a blend of experience and emerging talent. While Maddison and Spence may feel hard done by, their exclusion serves as motivation to continue performing at the highest level.

For Maddison, the challenge will be to maintain his impressive form and force his way back into Tuchel’s plans. For Spence, the focus remains on solidifying his place as one of the Premier League’s most reliable full-backs, with the hope that his efforts will eventually be recognized on the international stage.

As England prepare for their World Cup qualifiers, the spotlight will be on Tuchel’s new-look squad and how they adapt to his tactical approach. For Tottenham, the mixed emotions surrounding the squad announcement highlight the depth of talent within the club.

While Solanke’s call-up is a cause for celebration, the omissions of Maddison and Spence serve as a reminder of the high standards required to earn a place in the national team. As the season progresses, all three players will be eager to prove their worth, both for their club and their country.