Tuchel Announces First Squad as England Head Coach, Welcoming Back Rashford and Henderson

Marcus Rashford is back in the England squad after nearly a year away, as new head coach Thomas Tuchel announces his inaugural selection for the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The 27-year-old forward, who has earned 60 caps for his country, hasn’t featured for England since a friendly loss to Brazil in March 2024.

However, Rashford, flourishing on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United, has worked his way back into contention as England embarks on a new chapter under Tuchel’s guidance.

Tuchel officially started his role in January and has been reviewing a squad of 55 players. This has resulted in the inclusion of Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for their first call-ups.

Burn, 32, has been a consistent performer for the EFL Cup finalists, while 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly has made a significant impact at Arsenal, regularly starting at left-back under Mikel Arteta.

Also receiving a call-up is Morgan Rogers, who has excelled this season for Aston Villa, currently competing in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Rogers has been a key player for Unai Emery’s side and earns another chance with the national team after having previously been selected during Lee Carsley’s tenure.

On the other hand, Jack Grealish has been left out, as the 29-year-old has struggled for playing time in a fluctuating Manchester City squad this season.

Grealish has made only three substitute appearances in the Premier League since the start of the year and was part of the last England squad before pulling out.

Injuries have sidelined Harry Maguire, John Stones, Bukayo Saka, Kobbie Mainoo, and Noni Madueke.

England’s first match under Tuchel will be against Albania at Wembley on Friday, March 21, marking the beginning of their journey towards the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

This will be followed by another Group K clash at home against Latvia three days later.

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, on loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)