Tuchel grants Bellingham's 'biggest dream' by calling up brother Jobe

Jude Bellingham’s lifelong ambition to share the pitch with his brother Jobe for England is set to become reality after Thomas Tuchel handed the Borussia Dortmund midfielder his first senior call-up. According to the Daily Mirror ^[1], Jude previously stated that playing alongside Jobe would be “the biggest dream of his life,” a sentiment the England manager has now fulfilled by selecting the pair for upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.

The Guardian reported ^[2] that Jude had actively “nagged” Tuchel to scout the younger Bellingham, who has been captaining the England Under-21s and impressing for Dortmund. Tuchel described the reunion as a “beautiful story” and admitted he accidentally merged their names into “Jube” during the announcement, laughing off the slip as a testament to how similar they appear. “He couldn’t stop smiling,” Tuchel said of Jobe’s reaction to the news delivered via video call.

This selection marks a significant shift in England’s personnel, with the Mirror noting ^[1] they would be the first brothers to play in the same starting XI since Gary and Phil Neville nearly two decades ago. While they have kicked balls around together since childhood, they have never competed against one another, having missed their chance at the Club World Cup when Jobe was suspended.

Tuchel highlighted Jobe’s physical attributes, describing him as having “big body, big legs” and a style that fits a deeper midfield role than Jude’s more advanced positioning. The Mirror detailed ^[1] how their parents, Mark and Denise, have carefully guided both careers, with Mark even scoring seven goals for an England vets team, proving footballing talent runs deep in the family.

For Tuchel, this move signals a new chapter for his squad, moving away from the group that served him at the World Cup. The Guardian noted ^[2] that only 11 of the 22 outfield players selected for these fixtures were part of the World Cup squad, reflecting a deliberate push toward youth and fresh energy. Tuchel acknowledged his previously “up and down” relationship with Jude but insisted they are now in a “good place,” with Jude’s happiness and leadership expected to help Jobe settle into the senior environment.

As England prepares for these crucial ties, the focus is firmly on whether the Bellingham brothers can translate their off-field bond into on-field success. Tuchel remains optimistic, suggesting that having Jude nearby will provide the support Jobe needs to adapt to the demands of international football, potentially inspiring even greater heights from the Real Madrid star.