England manager Thomas Tuchel has unveiled his first 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, marking the start of a new era with unexpected call-ups and intriguing recalls. The announcement, made earlier today, has sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike.
One of the headline selections is Newcastle United’s Dan Burn, who at 32 earns his first-ever national team call-up, a testament to his consistent performances in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s 18-y9ear-old rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly has also been handed his maiden call-up, signaling Tuchel’s intent to blend experience with youthful exuberance.
Marcus Rashford’s return is another major talking point. The forward, who missed out on Euro 2024 and hasn’t featured for England since a defeat to Brazil nearly a year ago, has earned his place after an impressive loan spell at Aston Villa. Despite not finding the net yet, his four assists in nine appearances showcased his playmaking abilities and convinced Tuchel to give him another shot.
Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson also makes a surprise comeback. The 34-year-old last played for England in November 2023 before a stint in Saudi Arabia and a subsequent move to Ajax. His recall has raised eyebrows, but Tuchel evidently values Henderson’s experience and leadership.
Chelsea’s Reece James makes the squad despite limited game time this season, while AC Milan’s Kyle Walker retains his place after making a January switch to Serie A.
However, the announcement wasn’t without notable omissions. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Elliott Anderson missed out, while Brighton’s Danny Welbeck and Ipswich’s Liam Delap were also overlooked. Jack Grealish’s exclusion, on the other hand, came as less of a surprise given his recent form.
Tuchel reportedly delayed the squad announcement to monitor players involved in European fixtures, having held discussions with over 55 players as part of his broader strategy to deepen connections within the squad. Despite partially working from Germany, FA officials confirmed his primary base remains St George’s Park in London.
As England prepares for these crucial qualifiers, Tuchel’s squad choices reflect a bold mix of experience and fresh talent – a clear statement of his vision for the national team’s future. All eyes will be on how these selections translate onto the pitch.
