Key Takeaways:
- James Hill has received his first call-up to the England squad as a late addition
- Ezri Konsa has been ruled out of Thursday’s Nations League fixture against Croatia due to a knee injury
- Bournemouth are seventh in the Premier League and on an eight-match winning streak across all competitions
Squad Changes Ahead of Nations League Clash
Bournemouth’s James Hill, aged 24, has been drafted into the England squad for the very first time following the withdrawal of Arsenal’s Ezri Konsa. Konsa suffered a knee injury during Arsenal’s Champions League triumph at Slavia Prague on Wednesday and, although he completed the full 90 minutes against Hull on Saturday, he has been ruled out of the upcoming Nations League tie against Croatia at Wembley. Konsa is set to return to full training later this week ahead of England’s match against Spain in Madrid on Sunday.
A former #YoungLions players called to represent our #ThreeLions for the very first time 🦁 ❤️
Congratulations, James Hill 👏 https://t.co/wc8N4KMntH
— England (@England) November 10, 2026
On Sunday, centre-back Dan Burn came into the squad to replace Marc Guehi, who had to withdraw because of a hip injury. These late changes have prompted a reshuffle in Thomas Tuchel’s England defensive options.
Hill’s Rise at Bournemouth
James Hill has featured in every minute of Bournemouth’s current Premier League campaign and has appeared in all their inaugural Europa League matches. Since arriving from Fleetwood in January 2022 for an undisclosed fee, Hill initially found opportunities limited, making only 24 appearances during his first three and a half years at the club. However, he established himself as a regular in the previous season, contributing significantly as Bournemouth achieved a club-best sixth-place finish in the top flight.
Hill’s impressive consistency has been a key factor for Bournemouth, who are currently enjoying an eight-match winning streak in all competitions and sit seventh in the Premier League table.
Looking Ahead
England will now turn their focus to the Nations League home fixture against Croatia at Wembley, followed by Sunday’s contest in Madrid against Spain. Thomas Tuchel’s defensive line-up will be under particular scrutiny after these enforced changes, with James Hill potentially poised to make his international debut.
