England squad announcement LIVE: Shock recall for Jordan Henderson as Thomas Tuchel names first group
Thomas Tuchel announced his first England squad this morning after officially becoming manager of the Three Lions in January.
England’s new era begins next week with a Wembley double-header of World Cup qualifiers, as Albania and Latvia visit in the space of four days. Tuchel has been charged by the FA with delivering England men’s first major trophy since 1966, after signing an 18-month contract which ends after the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
And as he looks to get up and running, he has handed midfielder Jordan Henderson a surprise recall while also including the uncapped pair of Dan Burn and teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly in defence, and Marcus Rashford among the forward options – amid the latter’s improved form since leaving Manchester United.
Tuchel had been in contact with a large pool of players over recent weeks and compiled a 55-man shortlist before naming his squad. Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri was thought to be in contention alongside clubmate Lewis-Skelly, as were Nottingham Forest pair Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, but none of those three were named.
Follow live updates from England’s squad announcement and Tuchel’s press conference below.
Tuchel names first England squad – summary
New boss Thomas Tuchel has named uncapped defenders Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn in his first England squad and handed recalls to Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson.
Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor has selected 26 players for this month’s World Cup qualifiers at Wembley against Albania and Latvia.
Tuchel has been using a 55-man long list and the England boss has rewarded Arsenal left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, for his impressive performances since making his senior bow in September.
Towering Newcastle defender Burn is the most surprising name in Tuchel’s squad having received his first call-up at the age of 32.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford are the other uncapped players involved, but have previously been selected by the senior team.
Rashford returns to the international set-up having made a promising start to life on loan at Aston Villa after being sidelined at Manchester United.
The 27-year-old was omitted from Southgate’s Euros squad last summer and the Nations League campaign overseen by interim boss Lee Carsley, as was veteran Ajax midfielder Henderson who also returns to the fold.
Four uncapped players called up
Tuchel has selected four uncapped players, with two at left-back: Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The others are Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, though both have been called up to senior squads before.
Marcus Rashford returns to England fold
Marcus Rashford is another who has been called back into the fold, while Kyle Walker is also in the squad.
It is an experienced group, which perhaps reflects Tuchel’s situation: a short-term contract focused entirely on winning World Cup 2026. There is not a lot of space for youngsters.
Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford.
Defenders: Dan Burn, Levi Colwill, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah, Kyle Walker.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers.
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Dominic Solanke.
Jordan Henderson is back
So Thomas Tuchel has named a 26-man squad, and one of the headlines is that Jordan Henderson is back. That’s quite a surprise.
England squad confirmed!
Here it is, Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad:
Tuchel set to announce England squad
The Football Association has not announced exactly when Tuchel’s first England squad will be revealed, but we are expecting news very soon this morning so stay with us.
Rashford pushing case for England re-call
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford – who won the last of his 60 England caps last March – continues to show flashes of quality since joining Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United. Could he be back in the fold?
Read more:
England squad announcement – live
Tuchel has been talking with players on his 55-strong list of options ahead of Friday’s selection.
There are a number of headaches to contend with, including injuries to long-serving centre-backs Harry Maguire and John Stones as well as Bukayo Saka, Kobbie Mainoo and Noni Madueke.
Trent Alexander-Arnold limped out of Liverpool’s Champions League exit to Paris St Germain on Tuesday, while Ben White is an interesting case having previously ruled himself out of international selection.
Lewis Hall’s season-ending injury compounds the ongoing absence of Luke Shaw at left-back, with uncapped duo Myles Lewis-Skelly and Djed Spence options along with Tyrick Mitchell.
Ethan Nwaneri, Liam Delap and Elliot Anderson are other uncapped talents knocking on the door, while Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer and Kyle Walker are among those whose performances are under scrutiny.
Rooney hoping Tuchel can deliver World Cup
Asked if Tuchel can follow Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 heroes into the history books, Rooney told the PA news agency: “I hope so and I think his record is fantastic. He’s won the best trophies out there.
“When (Fabio) Capello came in – obviously I had Sven (Goran Eriksson) who was a foreign manager as well – I was really excited to work under Fabio and it didn’t quite go the way I would have liked it to or hoped.
“I didn’t really enjoy that time under Fabio, but I’m sure there’s players in that dressing now who see Thomas Tuchel come in as a winner.
“We all hope that he can be the one to progress England forward and take us that next step.”
