Marcus Rashford & Jordan Henderson named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad

Aston Villa forward Marcus Rashford has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad since taking charge as manager.

Rashford, who last played for England in a friendly against Brazil in March 2024, has impressed since joining Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United in January.

While he is yet to score for the Midlands club, he has contributed four assists as he looks to revive his career.

Newcastle defender Dan Burn and Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly have received their first senior call-ups, putting them in line for potential debuts.

England will begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with two home fixtures at Wembley, facing Albania on Friday, 21 March, and Latvia on Monday, 24 March.

Rashford’s England Return

Rashford, who has 60 caps and eight international goals, fell out of favour under former manager Gareth Southgate due to a dip in form at Manchester United.

The 27-year-old was omitted from England’s Euro 2024 squad, where the Three Lions lost to Spain in the final, and also missed out on the 2024-25 Nations League campaign.

Tuchel, who previously managed Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, has long been an admirer of Rashford.

In 2020, ahead of a Champions League clash between PSG and United, he described Rashford as a “big threat” and jokingly called him “a bit annoying” due to his ability to influence games.

New Faces in the Squad

Dan Burn, 32, is yet to feature for England at any level but has been a consistent performer for Newcastle.

His versatility – being able to play as a centre-back or left-back—adds depth to Tuchel’s defensive options.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly has emerged as a rising star for Arsenal.

Despite making his senior competitive debut only in September, he has already made 25 appearances this season. Although primarily deployed at left-back, he is also comfortable in midfield.

Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford are also hoping to earn their first senior caps.

Solanke In, Watkins Out

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke has been included in the squad after making his return from a two-month injury layoff.

He played the full 90 minutes in Spurs’ 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Sunday, earning a recall ahead of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Henderson Returns

In addition to injecting fresh talent, Tuchel has also recalled a senior figure in Jordan Henderson. The 34-year-old Ajax midfielder made his England debut under Fabio Capello in 2010 and last featured for the national team against Malta in November 2023.

Below is the full squad:

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

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, 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 United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)