Jobe Bellingham earns first England call‑up as brother Jude joins, Cole Palmer omitted

England’s Nations League squad announced

On 6 November 2026, England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed a 25‑man squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain. The selection, announced via the national team’s official channels, includes 21‑year‑old Jobe Bellingham and Fulham midfielder Josh King, both receiving their first senior call‑ups. The squad also features the Bellingham brothers, with Jobe joining his older brother Jude who has already represented the senior side.

In contrast, Cole Palmer, who has been a regular in the England Under‑21 set‑up, was omitted from the squad. Tuchel also left out other senior players such as Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo.

Background

Jobe Bellingham transferred from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2025 and has since made 12 appearances for the England Under‑21 team. Despite his involvement at youth level, he had never before been called up to the senior side. The decision to include him follows a shortage of midfield options for Tuchel. Alex Scott is unavailable, and Myles Lewis‑Skelly, who played in all four previous matches, is suspended for the Croatia game due to a yellow‑card accumulation.

Tuchel explained that the call‑up was driven by a need to fill central midfield positions. He noted that Lee Carsley has spoken highly of Bellingham in recent weeks and that the player is in a strong run of form for Dortmund. The coach said that with 21 outfield players available for the first match and possibly 22 for the second, Bellingham’s inclusion provides an opportunity for him to learn at the senior level.

The omission of Cole Palmer follows earlier warnings from Tuchel that the player “misses the mark” in certain areas, a sentiment echoed in the squad announcement.

Why it matters

The selection has immediate implications for England’s preparation for the Nations League. With key midfielders unavailable, the squad’s depth is tested, and the inclusion of a young player like Bellingham signals a shift toward integrating emerging talent. The decision also affects the careers of the players involved: Jobe Bellingham gains exposure to senior international football, while Cole Palmer faces a setback that could influence his future selection.

The move highlights the importance of squad rotation and the need to balance experience with youth. It also underscores the competitive nature of the Nations League, where England faces strong opposition in Croatia and Spain.

What happens next

The squad will travel to Croatia for the first match of the Nations League group stage, followed by a game against Spain. No further changes to the squad have been announced, and the team will prepare for the fixtures under Tuchel’s guidance. The decision to leave out certain players may be reassessed if injuries or form issues arise before the matches.

The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits, with some praising the opportunity given to Bellingham and others questioning the exclusion of Palmer. The outcomes of the upcoming games will determine the effectiveness of Tuchel’s selections.