Tuchel calls up both Bellingham brothers for England for the first time

Two Bellinghams, one England squad. Thomas Tuchel has called up both Jude and his younger brother Jobe for the first time, and a historic first cap together could be on the cards.

What happened?

England's German head coach named Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham in his squad for two Nations League games. England face Croatia on 12 November and Spain on 15 November.

For Jobe, who is 21, it is a first senior call-up. So far he has only played for England's youth teams. Jude, two years older, has already won 60 caps for the senior side.

Why is everyone talking about it?

Because it hasn't happened in a long time. Gary and Phil Neville were the last brothers who could play together for the Three Lions, back in the 1990s and 2000s.

"He is the captain of the U21s, and I think the door and the path must always be open for those who show outstanding performances over a longer period," Tuchel said of Jobe. "That is exactly what Jobe has done."

The brothers have followed a similar path. Jude spent three years at Dortmund before joining Real Madrid in 2023, and he won the Champions League with them a year later. Jobe signed for Dortmund in 2025 after leaving Sunderland. Both mostly play in midfield.

There are some notable absences too. Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo are not in the squad. Fulham midfielder Josh King also gets his first senior call-up, and Harry Kane is closing in on a record.

What's next?

The squad is set for Croatia and then Spain. Whether the brothers actually share the pitch is up to Tuchel. If they do, England will have its first brother pairing since the Nevilles.