# Josh King's Academic Path to England

> 19-year-old Josh King uses rugby skills and academic focus to break into Tuchel's England plans.
- Title: Josh King's Academic Path to England · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: 19-year-old Josh King uses rugby skills and academic focus to break into Tuchel's England plans.
- Keywords: josh king, tuchel, england, fulham, nations league, rugby, sickle cell disease, academic, football, premier league, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/09/cerebral-josh-king-plots-unusual-route-into-tuchels-england-plans
- Published: 2026-11-09T22:30:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: josh king, tuchel, england, fulham, nations league, rugby, sickle cell disease, academic, football, premier league, sports
## Josh King's Academic Background
Josh King, a 19-year-old Fulham midfielder, has an impressive academic record with A-levels in French, maths and psychology.
## Mother's PhD in Sickle Cell Disease
King's mother, Michelle, a university lecturer, is almost finished with her PhD in sickle cell disease.
## Academic Skills in Football
King says his academic ability helps him process information quickly and communicate effectively with teammates.
## Tuchel's England Call-Up
Tuchel selected King for England's pre-World Cup camp in Florida despite his limited playing time.
## Tuchel's Flexibility with King
Tuchel used King as a full-back and No 9 in training, showing his adaptability for England.
## King's Rugby Background
King played rugby union fly-half before switching to football, developing hand-eye coordination.
## Influences on King
King admires Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Barcelona's Pedri for their technical skills and work ethic.
## Fulham Connection
King joined Fulham at age eight and considers the club a second home, with strong coaching continuity.
## Key takeaway

Josh King, a Fulham midfielder with a PhD-focused mother, is set to play for England after Tuchel's camp highlighted his adaptability.