Cerebral Josh King plots unusual route into Tuchel's England plans

Fulham's Josh King, 19, combines an impressive academic record with rugby experience to become one of England's most exciting teenage talents under Tuchel.

Josh King is an unusual footballer. The Fulham attacking midfielder, privately educated at Hampton School, achieved A or A* grades in all 10 of his GCSEs and studied A-levels in French, maths and psychology while representing England at the European Under-19 Championship in Romania last summer.

King, 19, believes his academic ability directly helps his football. "Being able to take on information much more quickly is something that definitely helps," he says. "Having those skills is really important" for communication with teammates. His background also includes experience as a rugby union fly-half, which he credits with contributing to his development as a player.

After a breakthrough 2025-26 season with Fulham, appearing in 32 of their 38 Premier League matches, King earned his first England call-up under Thomas Tuchel for the pre-World Cup camp in Florida. He is now an ever-present in Fulham's starting XI this season and has been selected for England's Nations League squad for matches against Croatia and Spain this week.

Tuchel has noted King's flexibility, using him as a No 10, on the wings, as a No 9, and even as a full-back during training sessions.