Fulham Teenager Josh King Called Up to England Squad for Nations League
Fulham teenager Josh King has been selected for the senior England squad ahead of this week's Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain. The attacking midfielder's call-up marks a major career milestone, bringing a player with a highly unusual academic and athletic background into the national team setup.
International Breakthrough
King's inclusion in the England squad for the Nations League double-header against Croatia and Spain highlights his rapid rise. As a teenager operating as an attacking midfielder for Fulham, he will join the senior national team this week for the latest round of international fixtures.
His elevation to the senior squad follows his previous experience in the youth ranks, notably representing his country on the European stage last year.
Balancing Exams and Elite Football
What sets King apart from many of his peers in professional football is his extensive academic record. Privately educated at Hampton School in south-west London, the teenager achieved remarkable results in his early examinations, earning an A or A* in all 10 of his GCSE subjects.
He continued his education by studying part-time for his A-levels, choosing a challenging combination of French, maths, and psychology. He ultimately secured grades of A, C, and D in those subjects.
The dedication required to maintain his studies was fully evident during the summer of last year. While playing for England at the European Under-19 Championship in Romania, King had to sit his A-level exams from inside a hotel suite, balancing the pressures of a major international tournament with his academic responsibilities.
An Academic and Athletic Foundation
King's drive for education reflects his family's strong academic and professional roots. His mother, Michelle, is a university lecturer who has almost completed her PhD focusing on sickle cell disease. His father, Steve, works as a lawyer.
In addition to his academic pursuits and his development as a footballing prospect at Fulham, King has a diverse sporting background. Before focusing entirely on his role as an attacking midfielder on the football pitch, he also gained valuable athletic experience playing as a rugby fly-half.