Thomas Tuchel has confirmed England will be without both Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa against Croatia.The Three Lions return to action on Thursday at Wembley, with kick-off at 7:45pm, live on talkSPORT.Tuchel has confirmed Spence and Konsa will miss the match against CroatiaGettyHowever, they have been dealt an early blow in defence, with two potential starters in Spence and Konsa ruled out.Konsa has been managing his fitness after suffering a knee issue during Arsenal’s 2-1 win away to Slavia Prague.The 29-year-old then played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Hull three days later, but has been following an individual training programme since linking up with England.While Spence has no clear injury, the full-back struggled for fitness following his £30million move to Inter Milan and has only recently began to star regularly, making it likely he is still getting up to speed.Despite being without the two for the Croatia clash, Tuchel revealed both players could return against Spain on Sunday.Tuchel: Not risking Konsa and SpenceSpeaking to reporters on Wednesday, Tuchel explained: “It’s my understanding at the moment that they will both be available (for Spain).“But we will not take the risk tomorrow (vs Croatia), they are out tomorrow. “The hope and belief is they are in individual training on Friday, team training on Saturday and available on Sunday.”With Konsa’s absence for the Croatia clash becoming clear on Tuesday, Tuchel moved quickly to bring in cover.Uncapped Bournemouth defender James Hill received his first England call-up, having previously been on the 55-man shortlist.Konsa has been a virtual ever-present for Arsenal this term, making 15 appearances in all competitionsGettySpence has two assists in seven games for Inter Milan this termGettyKonsa and Spence’s absences aren’t the only defensive headache Tuchel has faced in the international break.Manchester City’s Marc Guehi pulled out of the squad through injury leading to Dan Burn’s late inclusion.Fortunately though, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarell Quansah and Ben White are all available and capable of playing at centre-back.Tuchel will certainly be hoping both Konsa and Spence are ultimately fit for the Croatia clash, particularly with the latter heading into the international break in fine form.After establishing himself at Inter Milan following a fitness-affected start to life, Spence has earned rave reviews with his recent displays.The full-back completed his third straight 90 minutes on Sunday in a 2-0 victory over Cesc Fabregas‘ in form Como side.Spence will have to wait slightly longer for his first England appearance since this summer’s World CupGettyAs well as keeping a clean sheet, his impact going forward was hailed after he provided his second assist in as many games in the win.Spence’s impact in Italy has drawn widespread praise, with Premier League icon Paolo Di Canio going as far to claim he can play ‘blindfolded’