Jobe Bellingham and Josh King Earn First England Call-Ups as Tuchel Leaves Out Palmer and Foden

Thomas Tuchel has named his 25-man England squad for November’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, handing first senior call-ups to Jobe Bellingham and Josh King while leaving out several established internationals.

The Three Lions return to action on Thursday 12th November when they welcome Croatia to Wembley Stadium, before travelling to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday 15th November in their final group-stage fixture.

With England looking to secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals, Tuchel has made some significant selection decisions, including recalls for Ben White, Declan Rice and Djed Spence. However, there is no place for Cole Palmer, Phil Foden or Kobbie Mainoo.

Jobe Bellingham and Josh King Receive First Senior England Call-Ups

Among the biggest talking points from Tuchel’s announcement is the inclusion of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham, who has earned his first senior international call-up alongside his older brother, Jude.

The 21-year-old has impressed in Germany this season and has been rewarded for his performances with the opportunity to represent England at senior level. Having previously captained England’s Under-21s, Bellingham will now be hoping to make his international debut during the November fixtures.

Fulham youngster Josh King has also received his first senior call-up following an impressive start to the Premier League campaign. The 19-year-old has established himself as an important player for the Cottagers, producing performances that have caught the attention of the England coaching staff.

King was previously involved in England’s pre-World Cup training camp in the United States and has continued his development through the international youth ranks. His inclusion represents another significant step forward in what has been a promising start to his senior career.

Palmer, Foden and Mainoo Miss Out on England Selection

While Bellingham and King celebrate their first senior call-ups, several high-profile players have been overlooked by Tuchel.

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is perhaps the most notable omission, having returned to form at club level following an injury-disrupted campaign. The attacking midfielder has registered five goals and three assists in 11 appearances this season, but has not done enough to convince Tuchel to include him.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden has also been left out, continuing his absence from the national team after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite recording six goal contributions in his previous six appearances, Foden remains outside Tuchel’s plans.

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is another significant absentee, having withdrawn from the previous international squad through injury. The midfielder was part of England’s World Cup squad but did not feature during the tournament.

Injuries have also affected Tuchel’s options, with Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Alex Scott unavailable for selection.

Ben White Returns as Tuchel Strengthens His Defensive Options

Arsenal defender Ben White has earned a recall to the England squad for the first time since March, having missed the World Cup through injury.

The versatile 29-year-old has impressed for the Gunners this season, providing three assists in seven Premier League appearances. His ability to operate at right-back or centrally offers Tuchel additional options ahead of two important international fixtures.

Inter Milan’s Djed Spence is another returning player after recovering from injury, while Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is back in contention following his absence from the previous squad.

Meanwhile, Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha retains his place, with the highly rated attacker continuing to establish himself among England’s senior international options.

Harry Kane Closing in on Historic England Appearance Record

England captain Harry Kane could make history during the November international break after equalling Peter Shilton’s record of 125 appearances for the men’s senior national team.

The Bayern Munich striker, who recently claimed the 2026 Ballon d’Or, has enjoyed another outstanding year for club and country and remains a central figure in Tuchel’s plans.

Should Kane feature against Croatia at Wembley, he would become England’s outright record appearance holder with his 126th senior international cap.

Having already established himself as England’s all-time leading goalscorer, the 33-year-old now has another opportunity to add to his remarkable international career.

England Looking to Secure Nations League Quarter-Final Place

England enter November’s international break sitting second in their UEFA Nations League group, with three victories from their opening four matches.

Tuchel’s side responded impressively to their opening 3-2 defeat against Spain, recording three consecutive victories, including a remarkable 7-0 win away against Croatia and a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Czechia at Wembley.

The Three Lions require just one point from their remaining two fixtures to guarantee a place in the Nations League quarter-finals, which are scheduled for March 2027.

However, topping the group remains a possibility. England must defeat both Croatia and Spain while finishing with a superior goal difference to the reigning world champions if they are to overtake Luis de la Fuente’s side.

With places in the national team becoming increasingly competitive, November’s fixtures will also provide another opportunity for established players and exciting young talents to impress Tuchel.

England’s Full November 2026 Squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Trafford (Leeds United).

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Inter Milan), Ben White (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Josh King (Fulham), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Declan Rice (Arsenal).

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea).

England’s November 2026 Fixtures

England vs Croatia

• Competition: UEFA Nations League
• Date: Thursday 12th November 2026
• Kick-off: 7:45pm GMT
• Venue: Wembley Stadium

Spain vs England

• Competition: UEFA Nations League
• Date: Sunday 15th November 2026
• Kick-off: 7:45pm GMT
• Venue: Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has been called up to the England squad for November 2026?

Thomas Tuchel has selected a 25-man squad, including first-time senior call-ups for Jobe Bellingham and Josh King. Ben White, Declan Rice and Djed Spence have also returned to the national team.

Why has Cole Palmer been left out of the England squad?

Despite his impressive performances for Chelsea, Palmer has been omitted from Tuchel’s latest squad. The England manager has emphasised the importance of players taking their opportunities during international camps, although he has insisted the door remains open for Palmer.

When are England’s next football matches?

England face Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday 12th November before travelling to Madrid to play Spain on Sunday 15th November 2026. Both matches kick off at 7:45pm GMT.

Can Harry Kane break England’s appearance record?

Yes. Kane has equalled Peter Shilton’s record of 125 senior men’s international appearances and could become England’s outright record appearance holder if he features against Croatia on 12th November.