Konsa blow for England: James Hill earns first senior call-up

England will be without Ezri Konsa for Thursday's UEFA Nations League match against Croatia.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel, already rocked by Marc Guéhi's withdrawal from the squad through injury on Monday, has received more bad news in defence. It has been confirmed that Konsa, Guéhi's partner in central defence, will also be unable to play against Croatia at Wembley.

The defender has nevertheless remained in camp, and his aim is to be fit for Sunday's match against Spain.

With Konsa ruled out of the Croatia match, Bournemouth's James Hill has been called up to the senior England squad for the first time in his career.

Hill has made more clearances (210) and won more aerial duels (138) than any other player in the Premier League across 2026. The 24-year-old centre-back has won more duels (71) than any other defender in the league this season and also stands out with a duel success rate of 66%.

With Dan Burn added to the squad in place of Guéhi, Tuchel is expected to field an entirely new-look defence against Croatia. England's other out-and-out centre-backs available for selection are Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah, while Ben White is also among the options in the squad.