Tuchel Hands Jobe Bellingham Maiden England Call
Thomas Tuchel has named 21-year-old midfielder Jobe Bellingham in the senior England squad for the first time, rewarding his strong start to the season at Borussia Dortmund.
The 25-man group prepares for upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, with England holding a virtually assured spot in the March quarter-finals of Group A3.
Borussia Dortmund
clubTraversing the Bundesliga Pathway to Wembley
Moving through Birmingham City and a standout stint at Sunderland, the midfielder secured a £28m switch to Germany that mirrored his brother’s early trajectory. Unlike his sibling’s advanced attacking role, he operates primarily as a physical box-to-box midfielder who protects possession and reads the game from deep.
A Distinct Tactical Profile Under Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel noted the player’s robust physique and strong ball-retention abilities as immediate assets for the international setup. His development as captain of the under-21 side provided a direct bridge to the senior environment.
Jobe Bellingham
playerGrowing up in Stourbridge, the midfielder spent countless hours playing football on a small patch of grass outside the family home alongside his brother.
Eschewing a prominent public persona, he deliberately wears his first name on the back of his shirt to carve out a distinct identity independent of family comparisons.
“When I signed for Sunderland, it was suggested to me by someone, a special coach I had there,” Jobe explained. “I was still young and thought it was cool to have my own name on the back. It didn’t have any deeper meaning, but it’s become something unique. It shows that I’m going my own way. Some people don’t like it, I don’t care.”
“He’s a more defensive player than his brother Jude,” said Tuchel. “So strong on the ball, good physique, a big body, a very physical player who can keep possession.”
Stepping into the squad alongside his brother, the 21-year-old enters the international stage on the strength of his own Bundesliga performances rather than familial association.