Uncapped teenager tipped to earn England call-up and be big player for Thomas Tuchel

Jul 21, 2026 - 15:00

Fulham starlet Josh King has been backed to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England plans.

Following the Three Lions’ heartbreaking World Cup semi-final exit against Argentina, the conversation has already shifted onto who could star for the national team at future major tournaments.

Josh King of Fulham — Josh King became a regular fixture in Fulham’s starting XI in the 2025/26 campaign

England now have a two-year wait until their next shot at glory at Euro 2028, which will be hosted on home soil in the UK and Ireland.

Beyond this, there are of course four more years until Tuchel’s side can avenge this summer’s World Cup heartache, as Spain, Morocco and Portugal host the 2030 edition.

And the Three Lions could have a much-changed starting XI by the time either tournament rolls around, with a number of England’s crop set to be well into their thirties by then.

Captain Harry Kane turns 33 this month, and will be nearly 37 in 2030, while key players John Stones and Jordan Pickford will both be 36.

Meanwhile, there is also potential for young players on the periphery of the England squad to stake their claim for a senior call-up, as they look to become key players at future major tournaments.

King of the options

talkSPORT pundit and Aston Villa legend Agbonlahor focused on the latter on Tuesday’s Breakfast Show, and he believes Fulham midfielder King is among the top prospects here.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, forcing his way into Marco Silva’s starting XI to make 15 Premier League starts.

An England Under-21 international, King’s impressive displays were rewarded in the summer, as he was then selected as one of five extra players travelling with the England squad to their pre-World Cup training camp.

Outlining King’s qualities, Agbonlahor said: “Before the World Cup there were a few players that were part of the squad that didn’t quite make it, but they were training with the squad.

“And one of the players that stands out for me – who I really, really enjoyed watching last season – was Josh King.

Josh King at England training camp — King is already known to England boss Tuchel after joining his team’s training camp in Florida ahead of the World Cup

“He’s 19 years of age, made 32 appearances last season in the Premier League, but he only got one goal and two assists.

“Whenever I watched him play, and every time he got into that number 10 position, he always finds space – like top players do.

“The amount of times he received that ball in that position and created his own space, but maybe the end product, or it’s a pass or it’s a finish, wasn’t at the level.

“But that’s what you expect of a 19-year-old. It’s a big season for him and I just loved watching him.”

Agbonlahor then insisted that Tuchel will no doubt be keeping tabs on the youngster going forward, who he believes could add to England’s existing quality in attacking areas.

He added: “He’s one that I’m sure Thomas Tuchel will have his eye on – very good player.”

“He kept Emile Smith-Rowe – who’s a talented player – on the bench most of the season, and forced himself into Marco Silva’s plans.”

Josh King for England Under-21s — King has been capped six times by England at Under-21 level, scoring once

He will now have a new manager to impress in Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Silva this summer.

‘What we need’

It wasn’t just King who Agbonlahor tipped to break into the England squad in the near future.

He also named Liverpool starlet Rio Ngumoha and Arsenal teenage duo Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman as those who should be targeting call-ups.

Alongside King, Ngumoha and Nwaneri was also selected among the Three Lions training players at their pre-World Cup camp, with the former dazzling on his international debut in a friendly win over New Zealand.

On Ngumoha, Agbonlahor began: “Put him in, 100 per cent, and I feel like someone like Noni Madueke who didn’t perform [at the World Cup], if you look at Nwaneri, look at Dowman [instead].

“I mean Nwaneri is 19 years of age, went on loan to Marseille – maybe it didn’t work out as well as he thought it would be.

“It’s a massive season for 16-year-old Max Dowman. These players are going to be so hungry to play. Go out there and play their football and break into Thomas Tuchel’s ideas.