Hill gets first England call as Konsa ruled out

Bournemouth defender James Hill has received his first England call‑up after Ezri Konsa was ruled out of Thursday’s Nations League clash with Croatia at Wembley, opening a place in the squad for the three‑lion side ahead of the remaining fixtures.

Arsenal star Ezri Konsa will miss the World Cup rematch with Croatia at Wembley, another blow to Thomas Tuchel’s defensive options after the earlier withdrawal of Marc Guehi. Tuchel hopes the 29‑year‑old will be back in contention for the upcoming clash with Spain in Madrid on Sunday. In response, the England manager turned to the 24‑year‑old James Hill, who impressed for Bournemouth last season and has become an even more important member of the flying Cherries side this term.

The FA released a statement confirming Hill’s selection and noting his previous representation of England at under‑20 and under‑21 levels. He made four appearances for the under‑20s between 2021 and 2022 and earned a single under‑21 cap against Kosovo in June 2022.

Hill has featured 15 times for Bournemouth this season, playing in both the Premier League and the Europa League. His performances have helped the Cherries to eight consecutive wins in all competitions heading into the international break.

Arsenal’s Konsa sidelined by knee knock

Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa, who has also made 15 appearances for the Gunners this season, suffered a knee knock during their 2‑1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague. He was substituted in the 61st minute for Cristhian Mosquera, though manager Mikel Arteta said the change was simply to manage his minutes during a busy period. Arteta later reassured that Konsa felt much better, and the defender went on to complete the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s 1‑0 win over Hull.

England’s squad also sees the return of Newcastle defender Dan Burn, the first time he has been selected since the World Cup, providing another centre‑back option alongside Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah and Arsenal’s Ben White, who has been used as a right‑back this season. Tuchel’s defensive choices now include Hill, Burn and the aforementioned options as England prepare for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.