James Hill Receives Maiden Call for Nations League as Tuchel Names Updated England Squad

James Hill is in line for a potential England debut after earning his first senior international selection for the upcoming Nations League campaign. The Bournemouth defender has been included in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the fixtures against Croatia and Spain, joining a defensive group that also features several established Premier League players.

At 24, Hill is among the less experienced names in the selection. He has made 15 appearances for Bournemouth this season and previously represented England at under-20 and under-21 level. His promotion to the senior setup gives Tuchel an opportunity to assess another centre-back ahead of the two international assignments.

England face Croatia at Wembley on Thursday before travelling to Madrid to meet world champions Spain on Sunday. The squad will have to manage its defensive resources carefully, with Marc Guehi unavailable and Ezri Konsa's participation dependent on his recovery.

Guehi suffered his injury during Manchester City's Premier League loss to Nottingham Forest. Konsa, meanwhile, is following a separate fitness programme and will not feature against Croatia. He is expected to return to full training later this week, keeping the possibility of an appearance against Spain open.

Hill joins Newcastle United defender Dan Burn, who was added to the selection on Monday. Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah are among the other central defensive options available to Tuchel.

The Football Association confirmed the latest squad changes, stating:

"Bournemouth defender James Hill has received his first call-up to the England squad"

England Squad for Nations League Fixtures

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele, James Trafford.

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrad Branthwaite, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, James Hill, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, Ben White.

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jobe Bellingham, Jude Bellingham, James Garner, Josh King, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice.

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Rio Ngumoha, Morgan Rogers.

Also read: UEFA Nations League schedule