Thomas Tuchel could turn to a player who has not represented England for more than four years when he names his first squad since the World Cup.

Leeds United defender James Justin is reportedly under consideration for an international recall following his impressive start to the Premier League season.

The 28-year-old has only played once for England, making his senior debut against Hungary in June 2022. He has not appeared for the national team since, but his performances and ability to cover several defensive positions have brought him back into the conversation.

According to TEAMtalk, England’s coaching staff “like Justin a lot”, with his versatility particularly valued ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

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Leeds form puts Justin back on the radar

Justin joined Leeds from Leicester City in the summer of 2025 and has since become an important part of Daniel Farke’s side.

Although traditionally used as a full-back, he has operated as a right-sided centre-back this season and can also play on the left or as a wing-back.

That flexibility could prove particularly useful for Tuchel, whose defensive options have been affected by fitness problems.

Djed Spence has yet to feature for Inter Milan this season because of muscle fatigue, while England used players including Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah at right-back during the World Cup when Reece James was unavailable.

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Justin’s only previous England appearance came on June 4, 2022. The Football Association’s official player profile confirms that he has one senior cap after being called up for four Nations League matches under Gareth Southgate.

A return would therefore end an absence of more than four years from the senior national team.

Leeds could have several players involved

Justin is not the only Leeds player forcing his way into the conversation.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also being strongly linked with a return after an impressive opening to the season. The striker has found his rhythm under Farke and scored twice as Leeds beat Newcastle 4-1.

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Goalkeeper James Trafford is also expected to be among the players considered by Tuchel, while Jayden Bogle has attracted attention following his performances at right wing-back.

Leeds’ strong start has put their English players firmly in the spotlight. Farke’s side collected eight points from their opening four league matches and moved into third place following the victory over Newcastle.

Farke has openly backed Calvert-Lewin’s chances of an England return.

“He’s a handful and tough for every defender,” Farke said, quoted by TEAMtalk.

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“He’s difficult to play against. He’s at a top fitness level. You can see he plays with confidence and a good rhythm, but also benefits from a really strong team and players who work for him.”

Tuchel faces several major selection decisions

Justin is part of a much wider selection debate before England’s return to competitive action.

Cole Palmer is in contention for a return after missing the World Cup squad, while Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is also pushing for inclusion following a strong start to the season.

Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jarrad Branthwaite, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Newcastle defender Lewis Hall are among the other names being considered, while young players including Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha have also entered the discussion.

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England are preparing for an extended Nations League window that includes matches against Spain, Czechia and Croatia.

For Justin, however, simply making the final squad would represent a remarkable return.

Four years after his first and so far only England appearance, his performances for Leeds have given Tuchel another option just as the England manager begins shaping his squad for the next international cycle.