Thomas Tuchel’s First England Squad Features Rashford and Henderson

Thomas Tuchel has announced his first England squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, featuring Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson. New call-ups include Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn. Tuchel emphasizes all squad members are contenders for the World Cup, and he aims to restore England’s competitive edge.

Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson are notable inclusions in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad as England’s national coach. This squad serves as a projection for the 2026 World Cup, particularly after England’s struggles in recent tournaments. In addition to Rashford and Henderson, Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal and Dan Burn from Newcastle have been granted their debut call-ups, marking Tuchel’s initial step in shaping the national team.

Tuchel’s appropriate selection of players comes in the wake of England’s disappointing performances under previous management. He replaces Gareth Southgate, aiming to guide the team to its first major international victory since the 1966 World Cup. Rashford returns after a year-long absence from the squad, showing renewed vigor since his loan to Aston Villa, while Henderson seeks to re-establish himself after a drop in form.

At a press conference, Tuchel stated, “Everyone who’s with us on this journey in the first camp is a contender for the World Cup,” emphasizing the importance of each player’s contributions. Regarding Henderson, he remarked on the player’s leadership qualities: “Jordan, I think this is a pretty easy one. What he brings to every team is his leadership, his character, personality, energy.”

Marcus Rashford has demonstrated remarkable improvement while with Aston Villa, contributing significantly to their success in various competitions. Tuchel noted his impressive work ethic, stating, “I felt that Marcus had a huge impact in Aston Villa since he changed” and recognized the necessity of maintaining high standards.

Lewis-Skelly, an emerging talent at just 18, has received praise for his performance at Arsenal, while Burn’s consistency made him deserving of a first call-up at the age of 32. Tuchel’s leadership style reflects a diverse coaching approach, as he becomes the third non-British coach of the England team, following such figures as Fabio Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Despite some dissent among fans regarding Tuchel’s background, Prince William expressed confidence in his qualifications: “Without doubt he is one of the top five managers in the world…” Tuchel considers it a significant honor to lead the national team, describing the experience as exciting and surreal, with a commitment to validate the Football Association’s decision to appoint him.

The squad comprises the following players: Goalkeepers – Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford; Defenders – Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, 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.

In conclusion, Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson’s appointments in Thomas Tuchel’s inaugural England squad signal a fresh approach aimed at revitalizing the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The inclusion of rising stars and consistent performers indicates Tuchel’s intent to build a strong, competitive squad. With support from influential figures such as Prince William, Tuchel’s leadership is poised to make a significant impact on English football.

Original Source: sports.ndtv.com