Marcus Rashford Recalled as Tuchel Unveils Debut England Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Tuchel's First England Selection Makes Waves

Aston Villa's Marcus Rashford has earned a dramatic recall to the England national team as new manager Thomas Tuchel announced his inaugural squad ahead of crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. The 27-year-old forward, currently on loan from Manchester United, last featured for England in March 2024 against Brazil but has showcased impressive form with four assists since joining Villa.

New Faces Promise Fresh Energy

The squad reveals exciting new prospects, including:

• Dan Burn: Newcastle's towering 32-year-old defender receives his first senior call-up after consistent performances
• Myles Lewis-Skelly: The 18-year-old Arsenal prodigy could debut after just breaking into first-team football this season
• James Trafford & Jarell Quansah: Burnley's goalkeeper and Liverpool's young defender also eye first international caps

Road to 2026 World Cup Begins

England launches their qualification campaign with back-to-back Wembley fixtures:

• March 21 vs Albania (19:45 GMT)
• March 24 vs Latvia (19:45 GMT)

These matches mark England's first competitive action since their heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, where Rashford was notably absent from the squad.

Rashford's Redemption Arc

The recalled forward brings:

• 60 international caps and 8 goals
• Versatility across attacking positions
• Fresh motivation after Manchester United struggles

Tuchel previously praised Rashford during his PSG tenure, calling him a "big threat" before Champions League encounters.

Tactical Flexibility the Key

Tuchel's selection emphasizes:

• Defensive versatility (Burn plays CB/LB, Lewis-Skelly LB/MF)
• Youth development alongside experienced campaigners
• Balanced squad depth across all positions

Complete England Squad

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, loan)

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 (Manchester City)
• Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
• Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, loan)
• Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)