Thomas Tuchel names his first England squad for World Cup qualifiers as former Liverpool star makes shock return – with TWO players handed their maiden call-up
Thomas Tuchel has revealed his first England squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers – with Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford handed returns.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has also been named in his maiden Three Lions squad while Dan Burn, 32, has been included for the first time, as Mail Sport exclusively forecasted.
Marcus Rashford also makes his return to the England fold for the first time in a year, taking a forward place while Aston Villa team-mate Ollie Watkins is a notable absence.
But the headline inclusion is Henderson, who many thought had ended his England career when he left Liverpool for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023.
Henderson, who has 81 caps, has not played for his country since November 2023 but moved to Ajax mid-way through last season.
England will kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns against Albania and Latvia.
Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Jordan Henderson has been handed a shock call-up, having last played for England in 2023
Marcus Rashford has also been included for the first time in a year after improving his form at Aston Villa
Newcastle defender Dan Burn has been handed his first England call-up at the age of 32
Arsenal full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, has been called up for the first time for the seniors
German coach Tuchel officially started work on January 1 and has spent the last couple of months watching numerous games across Europe whilst also holding direct conversations with several players as he finalises his squad.
Tuchel has named four goalkeepers in his squad in what is a rare move: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, Aaron Rasmdale, and James Trafford.
Kyle Walker retains his place in the back line after his move on loan to AC Milan, while Reece James will hope to make his first England outing since March 2023.
Levi Colwill, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah, Burn, and Lewis-Skelly complete the defence.
In midfield, Cole Palmer keeps his place despite recent scrutiny, while Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, Curtis Jones, and Henderson join him.
There is also a spot for Morgan Rogers, who made his first two appearances in England colours against Greece and Ireland off the bench in November.
Harry Kane is expected to lead the line, and worked with Tuchel at Bayern Munich last season.
Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Dominic Solanke, and Rashford complete the forward line.
There are lots of notable absences, some of which can be put down to injury. Bukayo Saka, Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Hall, and Noni Madueke are among those to miss out with either confirmed injuries or fitness concerns.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham recently revealed that Tuchel had 55 players on his long list for his selection.
‘He’s got 55 on his long list and makes sure that he’s got a strong connection with them and they know that he’s seen them. It’s not only the players in England, it’s players playing abroad as well, and that will only stand us in good stead in the long run,’ said Bullingham.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said of Burn’s inclusion at the age of 32: ‘Incredible moment for Dan. There’s no one more deserving in my opinion. Such an inspiring guy and a talented player. He’s had to do it the hard way coming through the leagues.
‘He is the model pro. He’s so committed to what he does.’
