Thomas Tuchel has officially kicked off his tenure as England manager by naming his first squad for the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, set to take place at Wembley Stadium on March 21 and March 24, respectively. The German tactician, who succeeded Gareth Southgate in January, wasted no time in putting his stamp on the Three Lions, blending experience with bold new selections in a squad that has sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike.
One of the standout features of Tuchel’s 26-man squad is the return of several familiar names who had fallen out of favor under previous management. Marcus Rashford, now revitalized following a loan move to Aston Villa from Manchester United, earns a stunning recall nearly a year after his last international appearance. The 27-year-old forward’s pace and recent form have evidently caught Tuchel’s eye, signaling a fresh start for the former regular.
Jordan Henderson, the 34-year-old veteran midfielder, also makes a surprise return after a two-year absence from the England setup. Having moved from Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq to Ajax in the Eredivisie, Henderson’s leadership and steady performances have earned him a spot, despite missing out on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad. Reece James, the Chelsea captain, rounds out the notable comebacks, returning after battling injuries to reclaim his place in the national team.
Tuchel’s squad also introduces two uncapped players, marking a clear intent to inject fresh talent into the England ranks. Newcastle United’s Dan Burn, a versatile 32-year-old defender capable of playing as a left-sided center-back or full-back, receives his maiden call-up after an outstanding season with the Magpies. His inclusion has raised eyebrows, with some hailing it as a reward for consistency and others questioning the timing of his debut at this stage of his career.
Joining Burn is Arsenal’s 18-year-old prodigy Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose rapid rise through the Gunners’ first team has fast-tracked him into Tuchel’s plans. The versatile teenager, impressive at left-back and in midfield, skips the under-21s entirely due to his recent game time and adaptability. Tuchel praised Lewis-Skelly’s “capability, quality, and game time,” underscoring his decision to accelerate the youngster’s international career.
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While the inclusions have generated excitement, several high-profile absences have also drawn attention. Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold misses out due to a knee injury sustained against PSG, leaving Tuchel to weigh options like Kyle Walker, who remains in contention for a starting spot as he nears his 100th cap. Jack Grealish, struggling for minutes at Manchester City with just three substitute appearances in the Premier League this year, has been left out, as has Ollie Watkins, potentially due to a minor injury picked up in Aston Villa’s recent Champions League win over Club Brugge.
Speaking at a press conference following the announcement, Tuchel emphasized a balance between experience and youth as he begins his 15-game journey toward the 2026 World Cup in the United States. “We want flexibility in our squad,” he said, highlighting Lewis-Skelly’s rapid development and Burn’s unexpected but deserved inclusion. With a 55-man longlist whittled down to this final selection, Tuchel’s meticulous preparation—evident in his attendance at matches across the Premier League—suggests a manager intent on building a squad capable of going the distance.
The squad also features strong representation from Aston Villa, with Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa joining Rashford, while Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah earn nods despite Alexander-Arnold’s absence. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and the returning James further bolster the lineup, offering Tuchel a mix of flair, defensive solidity, and attacking options.