Jobe Bellingham and Josh King handed England call-up but Cole Palmer overlooked

Jobe Bellingham and Josh King have been included in the final England squad of the year, but Thomas Tuchel has overlooked Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo for November’s internationals.

The World Cup bronze medallists are all but assured of a place in the Nations League quarter-finals ahead of next Thursday’s home game against Croatia and the trip to Spain three days later.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham’s first selection alongside older brother Jude Bellingham will dominate the headlines along with the inclusion of uncapped Fulham teenager Josh King, who caught the eye during June’s World Cup warm-up camp.

Chelsea playmaker Palmer and Manchester United midfielder Mainoo were high-profile omissions, with Djed Spence and Ben White brought into a 25-man squad that defender Nico O’Reilly dropped out of.

Declan Rice returns after injury but Bukayo Saka is absent with a thigh injury and Tuchel decided not to bring in Noni Madueke as his Arsenal team-mate’s replacement.

There was no place for fellow World Cup squad members Dean Henderson, Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson after missing the last camp.

Alex Scott, Marcus Rashford and John Stones are ruled out of this meet up through injury, as are Tino Livramento, Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah.

Myles Lewis-Skelly will miss the Croatia match through suspension but the inclusion of England Under-21 captain Jobe Bellingham – who is in line to become the 22nd set of brothers to play for the men’s senior team – helps offset that absence.

Boss Tuchel told the FA: “We have a slight issue in central midfield because Alex Scott is not ready. Unfortunately he picked up an injury in the last camp and can’t be with us.

“Myles, who featured in all four matches, picked up a yellow card and is suspended for the Croatia match and it leaves us a little bit short in central midfield, especially for the first match.

“(Under-21s boss) Lee Carsley has spoken highly of Jobe for weeks and months that if there is a spot and possibility to join and make an impression in the first team.

“He had good matches, and he is on a good run of form in Dortmund, so he deserves to be with us.”

Fulham midfielder King, 19, is another exciting option that Tuchel is looking forward to working with in the final camp of the year.

“He was with us (in June) and, like Rio (Ngumoha), made a top impression as a character, as a person and also as a player,” the England boss said.

“Now it is just a moment to pick him. He is very flexible, he can train in all four offensive positions and can show he is a good alternative on both wings and also maybe the number 10 position.

“It’s the moment to have a look and reward for him a good start to the season with Fulham.

“It is the moment to push the standout players from the Under-21s, they have a big tournament in the summer but I think it is a good moment to reward them.”

Published: 06/11/2026 by Radio NewsHub