Thomas Tuchel has named a 25-man England squad for the final two UEFA Nations League group matches of 2026, with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham and Fulham youngster Josh King receiving their first senior call-ups. Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has subsequently replaced the injured Marc Guéhi ahead of England’s meetings with Croatia and Spain.

The squad was initially announced on 6 November, with the Football Association publishing the full selection on 9 November. Burn’s inclusion was confirmed later on 9 November after Guéhi withdrew through injury.

England will host Croatia at Wembley on Thursday 12 November before travelling to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday 15 November. Both matches kick off at 7.45pm GMT and could determine whether Tuchel’s side finish top of their Nations League group.

The latest selection largely maintains the group that represented England during the September and October international window. However, the inclusion of Jobe Bellingham and King introduces two younger players who have progressed through the national team’s development pathway.

There is also a significant milestone approaching for captain Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich striker has equalled Peter Shilton’s record of 125 appearances for England and will become the country’s most-capped men’s senior international if he features in either November fixture.

Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for November 2026

Tuchel initially selected 25 players for the November international camp. Following Guéhi’s withdrawal, Burn was added to the defensive group.

The updated England squad is as follows.

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele and James Trafford.

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

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

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

The selection includes several established internationals alongside players who are still developing their senior international careers.

Jordan Pickford remains among the goalkeeping options, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Jude Bellingham and Kane provide experience across different areas of the pitch.

The return of Djed Spence and Declan Rice is also notable. Both missed the previous international camp through injury, while Ben White returns to the senior squad for the first time since March.

The most significant changes, however, concern the two first-time call-ups and the late defensive alteration involving Burn.

Jobe Bellingham earns first England senior call-up

One of the biggest talking points from Tuchel’s announcement is the inclusion of Jobe Bellingham.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has received his first senior England call-up after impressing at club level and representing the Under-21 side.

His selection also means that he will join his older brother Jude Bellingham in the same senior England squad for the first time.

Jude has already established himself as one of England’s important midfield players, having featured prominently in major international tournaments. Jobe’s inclusion represents a separate achievement, reflecting his own progress rather than simply his family connection.

Tuchel explained that the younger Bellingham had earned his opportunity through his performances in Germany.

The England manager said the midfielder had found his rhythm at Dortmund and had become a regular starter. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a route from youth international football into the senior team.

Tuchel said the door should always remain open for players who have delivered strong performances over an extended period.

There is also a practical reason behind the selection. Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended for the Croatia match, creating an opportunity for another midfield option to join the group.

Jobe’s versatility and experience with the Under-21 team could give Tuchel another option as England prepare for two important fixtures.

However, a first call-up does not guarantee a competitive debut. His involvement will depend on the manager’s assessment of the squad and the requirements of each match.

Josh King receives first senior England selection

Fulham forward Josh King is the other new name in the squad.

The 19-year-old has progressed through England’s youth teams and previously travelled with the senior squad to the United States during the preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His November selection is a further step in that development, giving him an opportunity to compete for a place in the senior team.

Tuchel has spoken positively about King’s versatility, explaining that he can operate across several attacking positions.

The manager also referred to the impression King made during training with the senior players before the World Cup.

According to Tuchel, the youngster’s attitude, positivity and ability to cause problems for defenders made him an attractive option for the November camp.

King’s selection provides England with another attacking alternative, particularly when Tuchel considers changes during matches or different combinations across the forward line.

His inclusion also reflects the manager’s willingness to look beyond established senior internationals when younger players demonstrate the necessary quality.

For King, the immediate objective will be to make an impression in training and potentially earn his first senior appearance.

The opportunity to work alongside Kane, Jude Bellingham and other established internationals could also provide valuable experience as he continues his development at Fulham.

Dan Burn replaces Marc Guéhi after injury withdrawal

England’s defensive options have changed following the withdrawal of Marc Guéhi.

The Manchester City defender was originally included in Tuchel’s selection but suffered an injury during his club’s match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday 7 November. He was substituted at half-time and subsequently withdrew from international duty.

The Football Association confirmed on Monday 9 November that Newcastle United defender Dan Burn would replace him.

Burn has 11 senior England caps and brings considerable experience to the defensive group. His selection also gives Tuchel another option in central defence, particularly with two demanding international fixtures approaching.

The 6ft 7in defender has previously featured for England and was part of the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His return to the international group provides continuity rather than introducing an entirely inexperienced player.

Guéhi’s absence is an important change because he has been part of England’s defensive plans under Tuchel. However, the manager still has several alternatives, including Jarrad Branthwaite, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and Burn.

The timing of the withdrawal means Burn will have limited preparation time with the group before the Croatia fixture. Whether he starts or provides cover from the bench will depend on Tuchel’s final selection.

The FA confirmed that Guéhi would remain with his club while Burn joined the England group at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground.

Harry Kane approaches historic England appearance record

Harry Kane will be another major focus during the November international window.

The England captain has equalled Peter Shilton’s record of 125 appearances for the men’s senior national team. If he plays against Croatia or Spain, he will move beyond Shilton and become England’s most-capped men’s international.

The milestone follows another significant achievement for the Bayern Munich striker. Kane was presented with the 2026 Ballon d’Or, recognising his performances during the previous season.

Tuchel praised the striker’s professionalism, attitude and achievements when discussing the upcoming international matches.

The manager also made clear that the team’s immediate objectives remain important. England need to concentrate on their Nations League campaign rather than allowing individual milestones to become the main focus.

Kane’s experience remains valuable to the squad, particularly with two fixtures that could influence England’s position in the competition.

His potential record-breaking appearance at Wembley would provide an opportunity for supporters to recognise his contribution to the national team. However, the decision about whether he starts either match remains with Tuchel.

Kane’s role is also important beyond his goalscoring record. As captain, he provides leadership to a squad containing several younger players who are still establishing themselves at international level.

Why Cole Palmer is not in the latest England squad

Cole Palmer is another player whose absence is likely to attract attention.

The Chelsea attacker is not included in Tuchel’s 25-man selection for the November fixtures. His omission comes after an interrupted period of international involvement during the previous camp.

Palmer had been recalled for the September and October window but subsequently withdrew with an injury.

His absence means Tuchel will have to work with other attacking midfield options, including Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, Morgan Rogers and the Bellingham brothers.

The squad announcement does not provide a detailed medical explanation for Palmer’s absence from the November selection. It would therefore be inaccurate to present a particular injury or disagreement as the confirmed reason.

England’s attacking options remain substantial, with players capable of operating centrally and in wider positions.

The inclusion of Josh King also gives Tuchel an opportunity to assess a younger forward who can play across different attacking roles.

For Palmer, future involvement will depend on his fitness, club performances and the manager’s selection decisions.

England’s November fixtures against Croatia and Spain

England have two important matches remaining in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League group stage.

England v Croatia

Upcoming

12 November 2026

7.45pm GMT · Wembley Stadium, London

Spain v England

Upcoming

15 November 2026

7.45pm GMT · Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid

The Croatia fixture will be played at Wembley, giving England the advantage of home support for their first match of the window.

Three days later, the team will travel to Madrid to face Spain at the Metropolitano Stadium, home of Atlético Madrid.

The two fixtures present different challenges. Croatia have considerable experience in international tournaments, while Spain are the reigning European champions and currently lead England’s Nations League group.

England’s previous results in the competition have included a 3-2 defeat against Spain, a 2-0 victory over Czechia, a 7-0 win against Croatia and a further victory over Czechia.

The emphatic result against Croatia in October will provide some confidence, although repeating that performance will not be straightforward.

Tuchel will also need to manage the squad across two matches in a short period. Player fitness, tactical adjustments and the availability of substitutes could all influence his decisions.

For England, the objective is not simply to finish the group stage with positive results. Their final position will determine whether they advance to the Nations League quarter-finals as group winners or runners-up.

What England need to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals

England are currently second in League A, Group A3, behind Spain.

The standings after four matches are as follows.

The group contains four teams, with each side playing the others home and away.

The top two teams qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals, scheduled for March 2027.

England are in a strong position to progress. The Football Association has confirmed that avoiding defeat against Croatia would be enough to secure a top-two finish, regardless of the result against Spain.

However, winning both remaining matches would give Tuchel’s side an opportunity to finish first.

That would require England to beat Croatia at Wembley and Spain in Madrid. If Spain also win their match against Croatia, the final meeting between England and Spain could leave both countries level on points, making goal difference an important consideration.

Finishing first would be valuable because the Nations League quarter-final draw gives group winners seeded status against runners-up from other groups.

The competition therefore offers England more than an opportunity to collect international victories. It provides a route into the knockout stages and a chance to test the squad against strong European opposition.

Thomas Tuchel’s England plans ahead of Euro 2028

The November squad selection is part of a longer preparation period for England under Tuchel, whose contract runs through to UEFA Euro 2028.

The German coach initially took charge in January 2025 after previously managing clubs including Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

His appointment brought considerable experience of European club football to the England set-up, including winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021.

The Football Association extended his contract in February 2026, securing his services through the European Championship in the UK and Ireland.

That agreement provides greater continuity as England prepare for the next major international tournaments.

The current squad also reflects a balance between experienced internationals and younger players. Kane, Rice, Pickford and Jude Bellingham provide established leadership, while Jobe Bellingham, Josh King and Rio Ngumoha represent a younger generation.

Tuchel’s challenge will be to develop that group without losing the consistency established during previous international windows.

The November fixtures will offer another opportunity to assess his preferred combinations, particularly in midfield and defence following the latest squad changes.

England’s performances against Croatia and Spain will also provide a useful indication of how the team is progressing against strong European opposition.