Josh King ready to ‘play anywhere’ as he looks to seize England chance

Josh King is determined to show his versatility and grab his England opportunity after Thomas Tuchel selected the Fulham teenager ahead of star names like Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.

The 19-year-old was rewarded for following up his eye-catching role in June’s pre-World Cup training camp with a fine start to the campaign at club level.

Tuchel said in September “on-the-radar” King had been “very close” to a call-up but highlighted the competition he faced in the number 10 role from the likes of Jude Bellingham and Palmer.

The latter pulled out of that camp, much to the manager’s frustration, and was overlooked for November’s Nations League double header as the German coach instead turned to King.

Asked how much of an honour it was to be called up when the likes of Palmer and Foden were not, King said: “Yeah, I mean it’s an honour.

“Those two players you’ve named are unbelievable football players and they’re people I definitely looked up to.

“It’s just an honour to be here and to have an opportunity. I think I’m capable of playing lots of different positions, which is probably part of the reason why I’m here.

“I’m just delighted to be here and thankful for the opportunity from Thomas.”

Tuchel noted King’s qualities as a number 10 at last week’s squad unveiling but said he wants “to see him on both wings” during this England meet-up, adding: “Josh can play all four positions.”

“I’m happy to play anywhere for the manager, so I don’t think it changes my mindset, but I also think that I have to add other parts to my game,” King said.

“Like when you’re in wider positions you might have to cover inside a little bit defensively or make more runs in behind and things like that.

“I think it’s definitely stuff which I can add to my game and I’ll listen to whatever the manager wants me to do.”

There was some concern King’s England dream may be have to wait after he was withdrawn 72 minutes into Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Saturday, but he insists he is “all good fitness-wise”.

“It was more precautionary,” he said. “I had a bit of a tight groin nearing the end of the match and I didn’t really want to overdo it.

“Maybe slightly a little bit of overload, but I couldn’t turn down the call, so I’m here and I’m really happy to be here.”

Thursday’s Wembley encounter will be a night to remember for Harry Kane as the England captain wins a record-breaking 126th cap and celebrates landing the Ballon d’Or.

“He’s a great person and an even better football player,” added King, whose first England memory was the 2018 World Cup that Kane ended with the Golden Boot.

“For someone of such quality and someone who’s such a good person, I’m delighted for him. Hopefully, he can keep getting those appearances and keep getting more goals for England.”