In a highly anticipated announcement, Thomas Tuchel, the new England manager, has unveiled his first squad, including the return of Aston Villa forward Marcus Rashford. Rashford, who last played for England in March 2024, has caught the eye with his performances since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United earlier this year. The squad also features debutants Newcastle defender Dan Burn and Arsenal’s rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly, each receiving their first call-up to the national team.
Exciting Start to World Cup Qualifiers
England is set to kick off their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup with a double-header at Wembley Stadium against Albania and Latvia on Friday, 21, and Monday, 24 March, respectively, both matches starting at 19:45 GMT. Rashford, despite not scoring yet for Villa, has contributed four assists as he aims to revitalize his career and make his mark on the international stage once again.
At 27 years old, Rashford has earned 60 caps for England, scoring eight goals, but faced a setback in his national team career due to a dip in form at Manchester United. His absence from the Euro 2024 squad and the 2024-25 Nations League campaign served as motivation for the talented forward to bounce back stronger.
New Faces and Seasoned Players
Alongside the return of Rashford, Tuchel’s squad includes several new faces and a mix of seasoned players. Dan Burn, a versatile defender from Newcastle, looks to make his mark on the national team after consistently impressing at the club level. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who recently made his competitive debut for Arsenal, brings youthful energy and skill to the squad.
Noteworthy additions also include Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, both eager to earn their first senior team caps. In a bid to inject experience into the squad, Tuchel has recalled Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson, a seasoned player who made his national team debut back in 2010 under Fabio Capello.
The squad boasts a diverse mix of talent across various positions, with promising young players like Jude Bellingham and seasoned veterans like Harry Kane, providing a solid foundation for England’s upcoming matches. The goalkeepers selected include Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, and James Trafford, offering a blend of experience and potential.
Defensively, the squad features players like Levi Colwill, Marc Guehi, and Kyle Walker, while the midfield is strengthened by the likes of Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, and Curtis Jones. In attack, the team will rely on the creativity and goal-scoring prowess of forwards such as Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, and Dominic Solanke.
As England prepares to embark on their World Cup qualifying journey, the blend of youth, experience, and talent in Tuchel’s squad sets the stage for an exciting and promising campaign. With Rashford’s return signaling a fresh start and new opportunities for emerging talents, the team is poised to make a strong statement in their quest for international success.
