Josh King says Jude Bellingham has taken him 'under his wing' in England camp

Josh King says Jude Bellingham has taken him “under his wing” in the England camp as the Fulham star hopes to earn a first cap for his country this international break.

The 19-year-old earned a maiden call-up to the England squad on Friday, with Thomas Tuchel hailing the “exciting” player having only just missed out on selection for the first camp of the season across September and October.

It is not King’s first time with the England group, however, with the midfielder picked as part of a five-man development squad for the pre-World Cup training camp in the summer.

It was there that King says Bellingham took on something of a mentorship role for him, crediting the England talisman for helping him integrate.

“There were a lot of people I learned from [in the pre-World Cup camp in Miami],” King said. “Jude was a big person for me. He took me under his wing and tried to make me feel welcome.

“There were a lot of players like that. Harry Kane as well, he was one person who really made me feel welcome and tried to help me through my time there.

“But it’s a credit to what England have going here, everyone is a really good person as well as good player on the pitch.”

Speaking further on his experience before the World Cup, he said: “It was an amazing opportunity for me. It was nice to meet the lads and get a taste of what it was like to play for England.

“I took a lot of learning from that opportunity. It was a massive part of my journey and it gave me the confidence to start this season well.

“[Tuchel] said to keep going, play well, rack up the minutes. As long as you’re trying to perform as well as you can at club level, the rest comes.”

King was an injury doubt after suffering groin pain in Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle on the weekend but his withdrawal was “precautionary”.

“I couldn’t turn down the call,” he asserted. “I’m here. I’m all good fitness wise.”

King will now hope to make his England debut as Tuchel’s side play their final two Nations League group matches, first hosting Croatia on Thursday before travelling to Madrid to play world champions Spain on Sunday.

Tuchel cited his versatility when explaining why he picked him for the November camp, with King – often a number 10 – able to operate across the midfield as well as up front.

But King isn’t fussy where he plays and is happy to feature wherever Tuchel wants him.

“I’m happy to play anywhere for the manager,” he added. “I have to add other parts to my game, in wider positions you might have to cover defensively or make runs in behind.

“I’m capable of playing lots of different positions, which is probably one of the reasons why I’m here.”