England call up James Hill for Croatia clash as Guehi, Konsa ruled out
Synopsis
Defensive injuries to Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa have opened an unlikely door for Bournemouth's James Hill, who earns his first senior England call-up ahead of Nations League must-not-lose fixtures against Croatia and Spain. With a quarter-final spot on the line and a reshaped backline, Tuchel is leaning on fresh faces at a critical moment.
Key Takeaways
James Hill , 24, earns his first senior England call-up after 15 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth this season.
Marc Guehi (Manchester City) withdrew after sustaining an injury against Nottingham Forest ; Dan Burn (Newcastle United, 11 caps) was drafted in as replacement.
Ezri Konsa (Arsenal) misses the Croatia game but could return for the Spain fixture after completing an individual fitness programme.
England host Croatia at Wembley on 14 November and face Spain in Madrid on 17 November .
Tuchel's side are second in Group C ; a win over Croatia secures a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals in March 2025 .
Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) and Josh King (Fulham) also receive first senior call-ups in the same window.
England have handed a maiden senior international call-up to Bournemouth centre-back James Hill ahead of their UEFA Nations League Group C fixtures against Croatia and Spain, after a wave of defensive injuries forced head coach Thomas Tuchel to reshuffle his squad for the November 2024 international window.
Hill's Call-Up and Background
The 24-year-old defender has made 15 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth this season, earning recognition at the highest level for the first time. Hill has previously represented England at under-20 and under-21 levels, and will now compete for a senior debut alongside Dan Burn, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Jarell Quansah in the central defensive positions.
Guehi and Konsa Withdrawals
Manchester City defender Marc Guehi was forced to withdraw after picking up an injury during his club's Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Guehi was substituted at half-time and will remain with his club for further recovery. Newcastle United's Dan Burn — who carries 11 international caps — was drafted into the squad on Monday as a direct replacement, joining the England camp at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground.
Meanwhile, Arsenal centre-back Ezri Konsa will also miss Thursday's meeting with Croatia at Wembley as he continues an individual fitness programme. He is expected to return to full training later this week and could be available for England's subsequent trip to Madrid to face Spain.
What Is at Stake in Group C
England host Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, 14 November 2024, before travelling to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday, 17 November 2024, in their final two group-stage matches. Tuchel's side are currently second in Group C and need to avoid defeat against Croatia to guarantee qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, scheduled for March 2025. England can finish top of the group if they win both remaining fixtures and record a superior goal difference to Spain.
Other New Faces in the Squad
The November camp also features first-time senior call-ups for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham and Fulham forward Josh King, both promoted from the England under-21 setup. The fresh faces reflect Tuchel's willingness to broaden his defensive and midfield options as he navigates a congested qualification picture.
What Happens Next
With defensive depth suddenly stretched, Hill's debut prospects have improved significantly. How England fare against Croatia will largely determine whether they advance as group winners or settle for a quarter-final berth — and whether Tuchel's reshaped backline can hold up against two of Europe's most technically accomplished sides.
Point of View
However, is England's fragility at centre-back: Guehi, Konsa, and an unsettled Branthwaite have all featured in a backline that has looked porous at moments. Going into a game England must not lose against Croatia without two first-choice defenders is a risk. If Hill impresses, Tuchel will look prescient; if the defence leaks, the selection call will face scrutiny regardless of the result.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was James Hill called up to the England squad?
James Hill was called up to the senior England squad for the first time following injuries to Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa ahead of UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain. The 24-year-old Bournemouth centre-back had impressed with 15 Premier League appearances this season, earning the attention of head coach Thomas Tuchel.
What injury did Marc Guehi sustain?
Marc Guehi picked up an injury during Manchester City's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday and was substituted at half-time. He will remain with his club for further recovery and will not feature in the November international window.
Will Ezri Konsa play against Croatia?
No, Ezri Konsa will miss Thursday's fixture against Croatia at Wembley as he continues an individual fitness programme. He is expected to resume full training later in the week and could be available for England's match against Spain on 17 November.
What does England need to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals?
England need to avoid defeat against Croatia on 14 November to guarantee qualification for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, scheduled for March 2025. They can finish top of Group C by winning both remaining matches and recording a superior goal difference to Spain.
Who else received a first senior England call-up in the November window?
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham and Fulham forward Josh King both received their first senior England call-ups in the November international window, having earned promotion from the under-21 setup.
