New Delhi: Aston Villa forward Marcus Rashford is making a comeback to the England side after being named in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad since becoming England manager. Rashford hasn’t played for England since friendlies against Brazil in March 2024, though has been impressive with the Villans since joining them on loan from Manchester United in January.
Newcastle United’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly have also received their first call and are in line to make debuts as well. England will begin their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup with two back-to-back games at Wembley, first against Albania on March 21st and then against Latvia on March 24th. Rashford hasn’t scored for Villa but has had four assists to his name and has been making his career turn around.
THOMAS TUCHEL HAS NAMED HIS FIRST ENGLAND SQUAD! ✍️
They will take on Albania and Latvia in World Cup 2026 qualifiers.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/9NzZszDkfG
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 14, 2025
Thomas Tuchel balances English squad with youth and experience
The 27-year-old has made 60 international appearances, scoring eight times but fell out with previous manager Gareth Southgate after a drop in form at Manchester United. He was excluded from the Euro 2024 squad where England reached the finals but lost to Spain. Rashford was also missing from the 2024-25 Nations League games.
Back in 2020, then manager of Paris Saint-Germain Tuchel had said that Rashford was a “threat” before his side clashed against Manchester United in a Champions League game. Burns, though, hasn’t played for England in any ranks, yet he remains a consistent and important part of the Magpies. The 32-year-old is known for his versatility playing in both the centre of defence and at left-back as well.
Lewis-Skelly though made his debut with the Arsenal’s senior side in September, the 18-year-old has emerged as one of their most important player of the season. For Gunners, in his 28 games across competitions this season, he has mostly operated at left-back, but he can also play in the midfield.
Burnley’s shot-stopper James Trafford and Liverpool’s defender Jarell Quansah are also eyeing their debut for the senior team. Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke returned last Sunday after spending two months on the sidelines, playing the entire duration of the game and has been included in the side ahead of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Tuchel has also brought in some experience in the form of Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson in the 26-man squad. The 34-year-old debuted for the English side in 2010 and last played against Malta in November 2023.
England Squad
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford
Defenders: Dan Burn, Levi Colwill, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Dominic Solanke
Thomas Tuchel names Marcus Rashford along with Jordan Henderson in the squad for the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
