Marcus Rashford returns as Thomas Tuchel names England squad for World Cup qualifiers

England national team lineup in a previous fixtures.

Marcus Rashford returns as Thomas Tuchel names England squad for World Cup qualifiers

Stephen Awino 13:11 - 14.03.2025

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is among the notable returns to the England squad as coach Thomas Tuchel names his charges for upcoming world cup qualifiers.

Former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his first England squad since taking charge of the Three Lions, with notable returns and fresh inclusions ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

England will face Albania and Latvia in their opening fixtures under Tuchel, who signed an 18-month contract to lead the team through to the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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Reports by BBC Sports indicate among the headline selections is the return of Marcus Rashford, who has rediscovered form since his loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa.

Also making a comeback is former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, now at Ajax, whose leadership and experience bolster England’s midfield.

The forward’s resurgence has earned him a recall to the national team, offering Tuchel an experienced attacking option.

However, Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been dropped, a notable exclusion given his past contributions to the squad.

Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri, despite a breakthrough season, also misses out, while Manchester United’s Harry Maguire is absent due to injury.

Tuchel has introduced fresh talent into the squad, handing first-time call-ups to Arsenal’s promising full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle United’s experienced defender Dan Burn.

Their inclusions reflect the German coach’s willingness to blend youth and experience as he reshapes the squad.

Tuchel’s selection signals a fresh start for England, blending experienced internationals with emerging talents.

As the team prepares to take on Albania and Latvia, all eyes will be on how the German tactician adapts to the international stage and whether his bold selections pay off.

The upcoming qualifiers will be the first test of Tuchel's vision for the Three Lions.

Full England squad for the World Cup qualifiers

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

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guéhi (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).