England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his first 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, kicking off a new era with a mix of unexpected selections and intriguing returns. The announcement, made earlier today, has sparked plenty of debate among fans and pundits.
One of the standout inclusions is Newcastle United’s Dan Burn, who at 32 has earned his first-ever call-up to the national team, a reward for his consistent performances in the Premier League. Arsenal’s 18-year-old starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly has also received his first call-up, signaling Tuchel’s intent to blend youthful talent with seasoned experience.
Marcus Rashford’s inclusion is another key talking point. The forward, who missed Euro 2024 and hasn’t played for England since a defeat to Brazil nearly a year ago, has earned his place following an impressive loan spell at Aston Villa. While he hasn’t scored yet, his four assists in nine appearances highlighted his playmaking abilities, convincing Tuchel to give him another chance.
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Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson also makes a surprise return to the fold. The 34-year-old, who last played for England in November 2023 before his move to Saudi Arabia and subsequent transfer to Ajax, has raised a few eyebrows with his recall, but Tuchel clearly values Henderson’s leadership and experience.
Chelsea’s Reece James makes the squad despite limited game time this season, while AC Milan’s Kyle Walker keeps his place after joining the Serie A side in January.
However, the announcement did come with some notable absences. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Elliott Anderson were left out, as were Brighton’s Danny Welbeck and Ipswich’s Liam Delap. Jack Grealish’s exclusion, however, was less surprising given his recent form.
Tuchel reportedly delayed the squad announcement to assess players involved in European fixtures and held discussions with over 55 players as part of his broader strategy to build stronger squad connections. Despite working partly from Germany, FA officials confirmed that his primary base remains St George’s Park in London.
As England gears up for these crucial qualifiers, Tuchel’s squad choices reflect a bold mix of fresh talent and seasoned experience—offering a glimpse into his vision for the national team’s future. All eyes will be on how these selections perform on the pitch.
