Thomas Tuchel Names First England Squad for World Cup Qualifiers, Featuring Surprise Inclusions
Thomas Tuchel has officially announced his first England squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, with several unexpected selections grabbing headlines.
The Three Lions will begin their qualification journey with a home fixture against Albania on March 23, followed by a clash with Latvia at Wembley on March 26. These matches mark the start of a new era for England under Tuchel, who was appointed on an 18-month contract in October and officially took charge on January 1.
Now, with his first squad selection finalized, Tuchel has called up 26 players—blending experience with fresh talent, including some surprise inclusions.
Jordan Henderson Returns as Tuchel Makes Bold Selection Choices
Perhaps the most eye-catching decision is the recall of Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson, who had seemingly been cast aside from international duty after being omitted from Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024. The 34-year-old last played for England over a year ago, and with the emergence of younger midfield talents such as Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) and Elliot Anderson (Newcastle United), many expected his international career to be over. However, Tuchel has opted for Henderson’s experience in the squad.
As reported earlier by The Athletic, another major returnee is Marcus Rashford, who has been recalled to the national team after nearly a year out. The Aston Villa loanee last featured in an England shirt during a friendly against Brazil and will be eager to make an impression under Tuchel.
Meanwhile, Rashford’s Aston Villa teammate Morgan Rogers has received his first-ever England call-up. The versatile forward has impressed in the Premier League this season, earning his spot in Tuchel’s squad.
Another maiden call-up has gone to Newcastle United defender Dan Burn, whose performances in the Premier League have finally been rewarded with international recognition. The towering left-back and center-back hybrid will provide Tuchel with a valuable defensive option.
Arsenal Starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly Gets Surprise Call-Up
One of the most unexpected names in the squad is Myles Lewis-Skelly, the highly-rated Arsenal youngster who has been fast-tracked into the senior England setup. The 18-year-old midfielder has been making waves with his performances for the Gunners and now gets his chance to impress on the international stage.
Another eyebrow-raising selection sees Kyle Walker retain his spot despite being on loan at AC Milan from Manchester City. The experienced right-back’s inclusion may come as a surprise given England’s depth in that position, but Tuchel evidently values his leadership and experience.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah continues his rise by securing a place in the squad, having impressed at club level.
Notable Omissions: No Place for Grealish or Ben White
While some players will be celebrating their inclusion, others have been left out. Jack Grealish, a regular fixture in previous squads, has failed to make the cut this time. The Manchester City winger has struggled with form and injuries this season, and Tuchel has opted against including him.
Arsenal’s Ben White is another notable absentee. The defender had previously made himself unavailable for selection under Southgate and later held talks with Tuchel, but it appears his absence from recent squads has counted against him in the selection process.
England Squad for World Cup Qualifiers: Full List
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, 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 United)
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, on loan from Manchester United)
Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tuchel’s Vision and Selection Strategy
Tuchel’s first squad selection provides a glimpse into the direction he intends to take England. While he has retained key players from Southgate’s tenure, his willingness to introduce new faces like Lewis-Skelly, Rogers, and Burn suggests he is open to shaking things up and rewarding in-form players.
The decision to recall Henderson and Rashford indicates that Tuchel values experience, but the omission of players like Grealish and White highlights that past reputation alone won’t guarantee a spot in his team.
With England set to embark on their World Cup qualification journey, all eyes will be on Tuchel’s first games in charge to see how his new-look squad performs on the international stage.
Thomas Tuchel announces first England squad as several surprise picks leave fans stunned
