James Hill earns first England call-up as Ezri Konsa misses Croatia

James Hill has earned his first senior England call-up after Ezri Konsa was ruled out of Thursday’s Nations League match against Croatia.

The Bournemouth defender, 24, joins Thomas Tuchel’s squad following an impressive run at club level, with the Cherries entering the international break on eight consecutive wins.

Konsa remains with England and is expected to return to full training later this week before Sunday’s trip to Spain.

James Hill England call-up follows Bournemouth winning run

Bournemouth confirmed Hill’s selection on Tuesday, describing it as his first inclusion in the senior national squad.

Hill has previously represented England at under-20 and under-21 level. He now has the opportunity to make his senior debut in the final two Nations League group fixtures.

His selection follows a strong spell for Bournemouth. The club have won eight successive matches in all competitions, conceding just twice during that sequence.

Hill has helped provide the defensive foundation for those results. His move into Tuchel’s squad gives Bournemouth another reward for their recent form.

Ezri Konsa ruled out of Croatia but stays with England

England’s update said Konsa would miss Thursday’s match while following an individual programme.

“Ezri Konsa will not be in contention for Croatia at Wembley on Thursday as he continues to follow his own programme but will return to full training later this week before Sunday’s trip to Spain,” the statement said.

The Arsenal defender was substituted after a knee problem during last week’s Champions League win at Slavia Prague, but subsequently completed the league victory over Hull.

His absence against Croatia therefore does not amount to a withdrawal from the entire international window. England’s stated plan is for him to resume full training before the Spain fixture.

Hill adds to Tuchel’s defensive options

Hill’s arrival follows another change to England’s defensive group.

Dan Burn was called up on Monday after Marc Guehi withdrew through injury, as covered in our England squad update on Guehi and Burn.

With Konsa unavailable against Croatia, Hill joins Burn, Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah among Tuchel’s central defensive options. Ben White is also in the squad.

Selection gives Hill a chance to make his debut, although Tuchel has not yet confirmed his starting defence.

Who is James Hill?

Hill was born in Bristol and came through the academy at Fleetwood Town, where he became the club’s youngest player at 16. His father, Matt Hill, played for Preston, Blackpool and Sheffield United.

Bournemouth signed him in January 2022 for a fee reported to be a Fleetwood club record. The Guardian reported that Fleetwood inserted an England clause into the deal, as they had when Jamie Vardy left for Leicester.

His route to the top was not straightforward. Hill spent 2023 on loan at Hearts and 2023-24 at Blackburn Rovers before establishing himself under Andoni Iraola. An England Under-21 call-up while he was at Fleetwood was ruined by a knee injury, before he won his first under-21 cap in 2022.

When do England play Croatia and Spain?

England host Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November, with kick-off at 7.45pm GMT.

They then travel to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday, 15 November, also at 7.45pm GMT, according to England’s official fixture list.

Our England vs Croatia viewing guide has the UK television details.

James Hill England: FAQs

Why has James Hill been called up by England? Ezri Konsa will miss Thursday’s game against Croatia while following an individual programme, and Hill has been in form for a Bournemouth side on an eight-game winning run.

Has James Hill played for England before? Not at senior level. He has represented England at under-20 and under-21 level.

How old is James Hill? Hill is 24. He was born on 10 January 2002.

When do England play Croatia? Thursday 12 November at Wembley, kick-off 7.45pm GMT. Our England vs Croatia TV guide has the channel details.