Former Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham has been handed a first-ever senior England call-up by national team head coach Thomas Tuchel, it has been confirmed.

The 21-year-old joins elder brother and Real Madrid talisman Jude Bellingham in the Three Lions’ squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League double-header against Croatia and Spain later this month, having previously represented his country at various youth levels.

Jobe initially signed for Sunderland from boyhood club Birmingham City in 2023, and would go on establish himself as a first team regular on Wearside, scoring 11 goals and assisting four more across 90 appearances in all competitions, as well as playing a key role in helping the Black Cats to secure a long-awaited promotion back to the Premier League.

Last summer, the emerging talent completed a big money move to German giants Borussia Dortmund, and - after a relatively inauspicious start to life on the continent - has since registered 63 outings, scoring once and recording eight assists.

Join The Echo’s WhatsApp SAFC Channel for the latest news, team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join.

Addressing his decision to include Jobe in his plans ahead of the upcoming international break, Tuchel said: “We have a slight issue in centre-midfield because [Bournemouth star] Alex Scott is not ready. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury in the last camp. He had a fantastic camp and can’t be with us. Myles [Lewis-Skelly], who played in all four matches in the last camp, picked up a yellow card and is suspended for the Croatia match so that leaves us a little bit short in central midfield, especially for the first match.

“Lee Carsley [England Under-21s manager] has been talking highly about Jobe for weeks and months; that he deserves, if there is a spot, to make an impression in the first team. He had good matches for Dortmund. He deserves to be with us.”

Elsewhere, former Sunderland goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Jason Steele have both received nods from Tuchel, with Leeds United number one James Trafford also called up.

In defence, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc Guéhi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, and Ben White have been recognised, while in midfield, alongside Jobe and his older brother Jude, Elliot Anderson, James Garner, Josh King, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Declan Rice are set to travel.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Rio Ngumoha, and Morgan Rogers make up England’s attacking cohort.