Job Bellingham has received his first England call-up alongside older brother Jude in Thomas Tuchel’s 25-man squad for this month’s UEFA Nations League games against Croatia and Spain.
The 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder was promoted from the U-21s on Friday 6 November. If he wins his first cap, the Bellinghams will become the 22nd set of brothers to play for England’s senior men’s team.
Fulham’s Josh King also gets a first call-up, while Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo are ruled out.
Basic facts
- Player: Jobe Bellingham, 21, Borussia Dortmund midfielder
- Challenge: England’s first senior squad is called for 6 November 2026
- Devices: England v Croatia, Wembley, Thursday, November 12; Spain v England, Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Sunday 15 November
- Youth record: Represented England at every level from under 15 to under 21 with 12 under 21 caps
- Stage: The debut will make Jude and Jobe the 22nd pair of brothers to be protected by England’s men.
Why did Tuchel choose Jobe Bellingham?
Tuchel was open about the practical side of the decision. Alex Scott is not yet ready to return and Myles Lewis-Skelley, who has featured in England’s four Nations League games so far, was sent off against Croatia after picking up a yellow card. This left England light in central midfield, with Tuchel saying there would be 21 outfield players in the first leg and 22 in the second leg.
But there is more to choice than numbers. Under-21 boss Lee Carsley has been stepping up Jobe’s case for months and the midfielder has been a regular for Dortmund this season, starting six of the club’s first eight Bundesliga matches. Jobe captains the Young Lions from September 2025 and was selected ahead of Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has been in strong form in the Premier League.
What Tuchel said
“We have a small problem in central midfield.”
Thomas Tuchel explains the absence of Alex Scott and the suspended Myles Lewis-Skelly
“Lee Carsley has been talking a lot about Job for weeks and months.”
Thomas Tuchel, on the recommendation of the U-21 coach
Tuchel added that Jobe had played a lot of football at Dortmund, was in good form and had the chance to join, learn and impress in a senior environment. He described the broader approach as a moment to reward outstanding under-21 players ahead of next summer’s European Championships.
Palmer misses Foden and Mainou
Jobe’s call-up shares the headlines with the continued absence of some of England’s biggest names. Cole Palmer remains out despite Chelsea confirming he is fully fit with a medical, with Tuchel previously warning the forward has missed a lot of camp after being withdrawn from the final squad with a minor muscle problem.
Phil Foden has been overlooked despite scoring six goals in his last six games for Manchester City, while Kobbie Mainoo and Noni Madueke have also been overlooked. Bukayo Saka is injured, while defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Tino Livramento are out. Declan Rice, Ben White and Jed Spence return, while Liverpool’s 18-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha retains his place.
England squad for Croatia and Spain
England League of Nations position
After 4 matches, England are 3 points behind Spain and occupy the second place in the 3rd group of the League A in the November window. Three straight wins since the defeat to Spain at Wembley in September, including a 7-0 thrashing of Croatia in Rijeka, ensured Tuchel’s side a top-two finish and a place in March’s quarter-finals. Full group tables and fixtures are on our UEFA Nations League 2026/27 page.
After four of six match days, A League 3. Group.
With a quarter-final place almost assured, Tuchel used this camp to look at young options. It continues the selection approach that has led his record as an England manager to one of the highest winning percentages of anyone in the position.
England’s brothers: Where the Bellinghams fit in
Brothers playing in England are rarer than they seem. The FA’s list was at 21 pairs following Trevoh Chalobah’s debut in June 2025 with his brother Nathaniel.
Playing in the same England side is still rare. The Nevilles were the last brothers to do so in 2007, while Jack and Bobby Charlton have met 28 times, including the 1966 World Cup final. If Jobe and Jude share the field against Croatia or Spain, they will add a new chapter to England’s international record of more than 150 years.
Frequently asked questions about the Jobe Bellingham challenge
Here are quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about Job Bellingham’s first England call-up.
Is Job Bellingham called up to England?
Yes. Thomas Tuchel has named Jobe Bellingham for the first time in England’s senior squad for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain on 6 November 2026.
Why did Thomas Tuchel call up Kobe Bellingham?
Tuchel said England were short in central midfield, with Alex Scott unavailable and Myles Lewis-Skelly suspended for the Croatia game. He also noted Job’s form at Borussia Dortmund and strong advice from Under-21 coach Lee Carsley.
When can Job Bellingham make his England debut?
His first chance is England v Croatia at Wembley on Thursday 12 November 2026, followed by England v Spain at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on 15 November.
How many brothers played for England?
Twenty-one sets of brothers have played for England’s senior men’s team. If Jobe debuts, he and Jude will be 22nd.
Why is Cole Palmer not in the England team?
Palmer was healthy but out. Tuchel has previously said the Chelsea forward has been ruled out of England’s latest squad with a minor muscle injury and will miss much of the camp.