LONDON — England have called up uncapped Bournemouth defender James Hill for their UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
Hill has been added to Thomas Tuchel’s squad after centre-backs Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa were ruled out of Thursday’s clash with Croatia at Wembley.
Guehi withdrew with an injury suffered in Manchester City’s Premier League defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Newcastle defender Dan Burn was called up on Monday, while Arsenal star Konsa will not be fit to face Slaven Bilic’s side at Wembley as he is following his own fitness programme.
Konsa is expected to be fit for Sunday’s game against world champions Spain in Madrid.
The unheralded Hill has enjoyed a rapid rise this season, playing 15 times for Bournemouth to catch Tuchel’s eye.
Hill will be fighting for a spot in England’s central defence along with Burn, Jarell Quansah and Jarrad Branthwaite.
“Bournemouth defender James Hill has received his first call-up to the England squad,” a Football Association statement said on Tuesday according to AFP.
“The 24-year-old, who represented his nation at under-20 and under-21 level, has joined England ahead of the forthcoming Nations League fixtures.
“Meanwhile, 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.”
