Thomas Tuchel Hands Jobe Bellingham First Senior England Call-Up While Omitting Cole Palmer

Jobe Bellingham has earned his first senior England call-up, setting the stage for a historic family milestone as Thomas Tuchel finalized his squad for the November 2026 Nations League fixtures. The 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder joins his older brother, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, in the 25-man group preparing to face Croatia and Spain.[1][3][4]

If both siblings take the pitch during the upcoming international window, they will become the first brothers to play in the same England side since Gary and Phil Neville in the early 2000s. The selection rewards Jobe's rapid development in Germany and his leadership as captain of the England Under-21s.[1][3]

Tuchel noted that Under-21 manager Lee Carsley had been praising the younger Bellingham's consistency for months. "He's had some good matches now and he's on a good run of form with Dortmund so he deserves to be with us," Tuchel said, highlighting the midfielder's physical presence and ability to retain possession.[1][3]

Operating primarily as a No. 6 or No. 8, Jobe offers a different profile than his brother. "We see him in central midfield, not as offensive as Jude," Tuchel explained. "He's one of five players for central midfield, more defensive than Jude. Strong on the ball, physical player. Can keep possession."[1][3]

The call-up also addresses a practical shortage in the center of the pitch for the Three Lions. With Alex Scott ruled out due to an injury sustained in the previous camp and Myles Lewis-Skelly suspended for the Croatia match, England needed immediate midfield reinforcements to navigate the double-header.[1]

While the Bellingham family celebrates, Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer finds himself excluded from the national setup once again. Despite registering three goals and three assists in nine Premier League appearances for Xabi Alonso's side this season, the 24-year-old was left out by Tuchel.[2][3]

Palmer's omission follows his absence from the summer World Cup squad and a previous withdrawal that drew public criticism from the manager regarding his commitment. Manchester City's Phil Foden and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo were also high-profile absentees from the midfield ranks as Tuchel opted for emerging youth.[1][2][3]

"Kobbie had a difficult spell with his team and missed a lot of matches," Tuchel explained regarding Mainoo's exclusion. "In the meantime it was Jobe who has impressed. The door is always open for players to make their mark, it is just a sign of the competition."[3]

Beyond Jobe Bellingham, the November squad features another maiden call-up in 19-year-old Fulham midfielder Josh King. King traveled with the senior team's pre-World Cup preparation camp in June and has recently established himself as a regular starter, netting two Premier League goals to become Fulham's top league scorer.[1][3]

"He made a top impression as a person and also as a player," Tuchel said of King's summer involvement. "Now it's just a moment to pick him because he's very flexible. He can train in all four offensive positions. He can show he is a good alternative on the wings."[1]

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Arsenal defender Ben White also makes his return to the international fold, having won the last of his six caps in March against Japan. "It's about time," Tuchel remarked about the Arsenal regular. "We tried many times to call up Ben."[1][3]

White is joined by returning full-back Djed Spence, while Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner retain their places after joining the previous camp as late injury replacements. Conversely, Arsenal winger Noni Madueke was surprisingly dropped despite a solid run of form, with Tuchel citing Morgan Rogers as his preferred alternative.[1][3]

England will host Croatia at Wembley Stadium next Thursday before traveling to Madrid to face world champions Spain three days later. The World Cup bronze medalists are heavily favored to secure a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals, needing strong results to cement their standing.[1][3]

For Jobe Bellingham, the upcoming window represents the culmination of a steady climb since leaving Sunderland for Dortmund in the summer of 2025. Now operating in a more advanced midfield role under club coach Niko Kovac, he has nearly matched his total minutes from last season in just the opening months of the current campaign.[1][2]

The squad announcement underscores Tuchel's willingness to rotate established names in favor of in-form prospects as he builds toward the 2028 European Championship cycle. With several veterans sidelined by injury, including Bukayo Saka, John Stones, and Marcus Rashford, the November camp offers a crucial proving ground for England's next generation.[1][3]