England boss Thomas Tuchel hailed the “incredible story” of Jude and Jobe Bellingham being named in the senior squad together for the first time.
Jobe, who is two years younger than his big brother, has been handed a maiden call-up to Tuchel’s 25-man squad for next week’s Nations League matches with Croatia and Spain.
If Jobe makes his debut, the pair would become the 22nd set of brothers to play for England’s senior team, with Jude previously saying it would be the “biggest dream of my life” to share a pitch with his sibling for his country.
That could become a reality after Tuchel promoted the younger brother from the Under-21s squad following an impressive start to the campaign with Borussia Dortmund, with Jude celebrating the call-up by posting a picture on Instagram of the pair wearing Birmingham City shirts when they were younger.
“It’s an incredible achievement for the family and for the brothers to be both nominated for their national team, which is an incredible story in itself,” Tuchel said.
“Like I said, I was very happy to give him the call up, and I saw his excitement straight away, and his smile.
“He’s a very open and calm personality. So it was a very nice phone call, of course, because it was very good news.
“We see him in central midfield, so he’s one of five players now for the central midfield.
“He’s a more defensive player than his brother Jude, so strong on the ball, good physique, big body, very physical player, and can keep possession.
“So now it’s on him because we only have basically Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare for the Thursday match [against Croatia].
“It’s now up to him but he’s of course excited and happy and eager to impress and that’s the best foundation to have a good camp for us.”
Jobe’s call-up comes after injury to Alex Scott, Kobbie Mainoo’s omission and the fact Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended for Thursday’s match with Croatia.
“First of all, Lee [Carsley] is speaking very, very highly of him in the 21s,” Tuchel added.
“He’s a standout player for a long time now. He’s the captain of the Under-21s, so, I think the door should always be open for the pathway, always be open for special performances over a long period of time.
“And that’s what Jobe has done. On top of it, he found his way and found his rhythm with Dortmund. He has had an excellent start to the season. He’s a regular starter now there and very influential.”
Fulham winger Josh King also receives a maiden call-up, having been part of the pre-World Cup camp in Florida.
“He’s just a fantastic character, he made a big impression in the US, and then he had a good start to the season,” the German added.
“Now he gives us a bit of flexibility. He can play all four offensive positions.”
Elsewhere, Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer and Manchester United midfielder Mainoo were high-profile omissions, with Djed Spence and Ben White brought into a 25-man squad that defender Nico O’Reilly dropped out of.
Declan Rice returns after injury, but Bukayo Saka is absent with a thigh injury and Tuchel decided not to bring in Noni Madueke as his Arsenal team-mate’s replacement.
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