Thomas Tuchel announces his England squad, recalling Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson. Notable players missing include Ollie Watkins and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Newcomers Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly could make their debuts. The squad’s mix of veterans and fresh talent sets the stage for the World Cup qualifiers.
England’s new head coach Thomas Tuchel has announced his initial squad, notably recalling striker Marcus Rashford and midfielder Jordan Henderson. Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa after limited playing time at Manchester United, last participated for England in March 2022. Henderson, at 34 years old, hasn’t been a consistent starter at Ajax and last played for England in November 2023.
Tuchel, appointed in October as Gareth Southgate’s successor, will lead his first matches against Albania and Latvia in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly are among those potentially earning their first international caps. Notably absent are injured players Ollie Watkins and Trent Alexander-Arnold, along with the in-form Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.
The inclusion of Rashford aligns with his solid performance at Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Henderson’s selection has raised eyebrows, as he has only recently been a limited contributor at Ajax. Tuchel praised Henderson’s ”character, personality, and energy” that greatly enhances team dynamics, suggesting he plays an essential role on the squad.
Lewis-Skelly, at 18, boasts a promising season with Arsenal, while Burn has consistently contributed to Newcastle’s defensive line during his time with the club. Newcastle coach Eddie Howe hailed Burn’s journey back to the national team as inspirational, noting his hard work and dedication in climbing the football ranks.
Tuchel’s squad also features former Chelsea player Reece James, who returns after a lengthy absence from the national setup. England’s World Cup qualifying campaign kicks off at Wembley against Albania, followed by a match with Latvia on March 24.
England Squad Summary
– Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley).
– Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan on 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), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur).
Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad emphasizes a mix of returning veterans and emerging talents. Key players such as Rashford and Henderson highlight a blend of experience and performance. New inclusions like Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly signal the coach’s strategic direction ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. The squad reflects both Tuchel’s managerial approach and the evolving landscape of English football.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
