Thomas Tuchel has made a first-time England call-up to replace Ezri Konsa – but casual fans could be forgiven if they do not recognise the latest Three Lions addition.
He is not a widely-recognised face among the stars from the Premier League and other top European leagues in Tuchel’s selection but James Hill, 24, has starred for Bournemouth in their eight-match winning run under Marco Rose this season.
The central defender, who started his career at Fleetwood Town, has enjoyed a dream few months: He married partner Tara Rose in June, welcomed his first child in August and has now had his maiden England call.
England announced today that Arsenal defender Konsa will not be in contention to face Croatia at Wembley on Thursday night – although he will be fit to potentially face Spain away on Sunday – and Hill has been called up in his place.
Hill has played for England’s Under 20s and Under 21s but this is his first senior call. He was signed by Bournemouth for just £1.2million in 2022 – beating Sheffield United, Burnley, Leeds, Southampton, Tottenham and even Barcelona, who all checked on his progress.
Bournemouth’s official X account posted today: ‘Congratulations, Hilly. Our defender has earned a first senior @England call-up.’
James Hill – pictured with new wife Tara – has been called up to the latest England squad (Source: Instagram/james_hill_10)
Hill has starred for Bournemouth in their eight-match winning run under Marco Rose
Hill’s route to the top is a fascinating one. He attended a trial day at Fleetwood as a 14-year-old and managed to impress them enough to earn place at their new academy.
Interestingly, Hill did not play for a football team of any kind before he was 10, simply kicking a ball around with friends and playing in the garden to hone his skills.
Blackpool opted against signing him after a trial and he was then dropped by Bolton after a short stint.
It proved to be a shrewd piece of talent identification from Fleetwood, with Hill later becoming the club’s record sale, eclipsing the fee they received for Jamie Vardy.
And having signed for the Cherries in 2022, Hill has now established himself as a key member of Marco Rose’s side.
He’s played every minute of every Premier League match this season at the heart of the defence and clearly Tuchel has been impressed.
Speaking before his call-up, Hill said: ‘It’s every kid’s dream, isn’t it? You grow up watching the Three Lions on TV, for the World Cup, the Euros. It’s one of the greatest honours you can have in football.’
Football is in the blood for Hill. His father, Matt, made more than 550 appearances in the Football League for the likes of Preston North End, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers as a defender.
Hill, pictured, heading the ball away against Ipswich has become one of the best defenders in the Premier League
Hill’s younger brother, Tyler, is also in the game, playing for Torquay United in National League South.
But Matt did not pressure his sons into the sport, with James previously telling the Times: ‘He didn’t want me to feel as though it’s a job.
‘He wanted me to feel like I’m wanting to be here because I love doing it. This is my passion. It brings me happiness. He wanted me to come to that conclusion, not for him to make that decision for me.’
Hill was a well-rounded sportsman and his secondary school did not even play football. Instead, he excelled as a fly-half for the rugby side and impressed as a javelin thrower.
He attributes his success as being aided by trying his hand at different disciplines and it is paying off in abundance having had to largely bide his time before earning a first-team spot under Andoni Iraola last term, with loans to Blackburn and Hearts helping him develop.
Having flown under the radar somewhat for many fans outside of Bournemouth, Hill’s career peak of an England call-up coincides with domestic bliss.
Having married Tara in the summer, they welcomed their daughter
