Jordan Henderson’s Unexpected Return to England Squad Under Thomas Tuchel
Jordan Henderson has been controversially recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel, alongside new players like Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Marcus Rashford also returns after a successful loan at Aston Villa. Key omissions include Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish. England faces Albania and Latvia as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Jordan Henderson has received a surprising recall to the England squad as new manager Thomas Tuchel makes his debut selection. This roster includes unexpected choices such as Marcus Rashford, who has displayed strong performance since his loan to Aston Villa. Additionally, young talents Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal and Dan Burn from Newcastle have been called up, providing fresh options in defense.
The omission of Trent Alexander-Arnold, due to an ankle injury sustained against Paris Saint-Germain, and Jack Grealish, owing to his inconsistent playtime with Manchester City, has left room for new faces. Henderson’s return highlights Tuchel’s recognition of the midfielder’s experience, especially in a relatively sparse central midfield, which extends beyond Declan Rice.
Henderson, now 34 years old, did not make Gareth Southgate’s larger squad for the Euro 2024 in the previous summer. After a brief spell at Al Ettifaq, he returned to European football with Ajax, and his performances in the Eredivisie have evidently warranted his inclusion by Tuchel.
England is set to face Albania on March 21 and will host Latvia three days later, marking Tuchel’s initial engagements as the team manager. The full squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers includes a mix of established players and new slots to address various positions markedly.
In summary, Thomas Tuchel’s inaugural selection for the England squad showcases notable inclusions and exclusions, with Henderson’s recall serving as the most striking element. The decision underscores his importance in the midfield, particularly given the current limitations. Alongside new talents like Lewis-Skelly and Burn, England aims to establish a competitive team in the upcoming qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
