Bournemouth defender James Hill has received his first senior England call-up. Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed the selection for the upcoming Nations League match against Croatia at Wembley, citing the 24-year-old's outstanding form for his club. Hill's call-up is a reward for his role in a Bournemouth side that is seventh in the Premier League with 15 points from ten matches, having recorded four wins and three draws.
Tuchel said Hill had been on the national team's radar for some time and his performances for a Bournemouth side sitting seventh in the Premier League made the decision clear. "It's a beautiful occasion seeing him, getting to know him," the England boss said. He described Hill's season as a "fantastic run" and noted how "desperate and excited" the player was to join the camp.
The call-up comes with Bournemouth enjoying a five-game winning streak in all competitions, a run that has lifted them to 15 points from 10 league games. This result was part of a perfect run of five wins from their last five matches, including a 3-1 triumph at Sparta Praha. Hill's consistent defensive work has been a key part of this successful period. The team's overall record shows 16 goals scored and 14 conceded.
Tuchel explained the selection was timely due to defensive withdrawals, with Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence ruled out. He emphasised that opportunities in international football are rare, making Hill's inclusion a significant moment. The Bournemouth squad will now break for the international window before reconvening for their next Premier League fixture, a home match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday 21 November. Forest are currently 16th. Hill is expected to link up with the England squad immediately ahead of the Croatia clash. Bournemouth's strong form, which sees them 12 points off the top, has featured Evanilson as their top scorer with five goals this season.
