Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad as England’s head coach, marking a new chapter for the Three Lions. Among the notable inclusions is Marcus Rashford, who returns to the national team setup after a year-long absence.
Following Gareth Southgate’s decision to step down after Euro 2024, Tuchel took charge in January and has since spent time analyzing players and strategizing for England’s future. His first squad selection reflects a mix of experienced stars and fresh faces ready to make their mark on the international stage.
Marcus Rashford’s Return to the England Squad
Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has been in excellent form, earning his spot back in the England team. The forward last played for his country in March 2024, but struggles at Manchester United led to his omission from Southgate’s squads. Now, under Tuchel, Rashford has another opportunity to shine on the international stage.
Key Inclusions and Omissions in Tuchel’s Squad
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is another fresh face making it into the squad, while Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been left out.
Grealish was previously dropped from Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad but had been recalled under interim manager Lee Carsley. However, Tuchel has opted to move in a different direction.
Arsenal’s young talent, Myles Lewis-Skelly, has earned his first senior call-up, showing Tuchel’s willingness to invest in young players. However, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is yet to receive his opportunity in the senior team.
One of the most surprising inclusions is Newcastle United defender Dan Burn, who has received his first England call-up at the age of 32. He replaces Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, a long-time Southgate favorite, who has not made the cut under Tuchel.
In midfield, Jordan Henderson makes a return to the national team. The Ajax midfielder last played for England in November 2023 but is back in the squad under Tuchel’s leadership.
Read also: Paul Pogba’s Ban Is Over – What’s Next for the French Star?
Tuchel’s First Matches as England Manager
Tuchel’s tenure as England’s head coach will officially begin with a World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium on March 21. Just three days later, England will take on Latvia, also at Wembley, in another qualifier.
Full England Squad for March World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
- Jordan Pickford (Everton)
- Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton)
- James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders:
- Dan Burn (Newcastle)
- Levi Colwill (Chelsea)
- Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
- Reece James (Chelsea)
- Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
- Tino Livramento (Newcastle)
- Jarell Quansah (Liverpool)
- Kyle Walker (AC Milan)
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)
- Phil Foden (Man City)
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa)
- Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)
A New Era for England Football
Tuchel’s selection shows a blend of experienced leaders and young, promising players. The return of Rashford and Henderson, combined with the inclusion of fresh talent like Lewis-Skelly and Rogers, signals an exciting future for England under Tuchel’s management.
Fans will be eagerly watching as Tuchel leads England in his first matches, hoping for a strong start to this new era of English football.
