Tuchel Names First England Squad Including Rashford and Henderson

New England coach Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad, including Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson. Notable call-ups feature Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Ollie Watkins and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been ruled out due to injuries. Tuchel’s squad aims to mix experienced players with emerging talents in the lead-up to World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

The recent squad announcement by new England coach Thomas Tuchel has garnered significant attention, as it includes notable players such as Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson. Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has not featured for the national team since a friendly against Brazil in March 2022. Meanwhile, Henderson, aged 34, returns to the squad despite limited playtime at Ajax, having last represented England in November 2023.

Tuchel’s debut as manager will occur during the World qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. Among those receiving their first call-ups are Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, both of whom could earn their initial caps in the upcoming matches. Notably absent from the squad are Ollie Watkins and Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injuries, alongside in-form midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

Rashford’s selection was somewhat anticipated given his recent performances, but Henderson’s inclusion surprised many due to his irregular appearances. Tuchel praised Henderson’s influence on the team, stating, “He builds on character, personality and energy that he brings to the team.” Tuchel likened Henderson’s importance to that of Dan Burn, emphasizing their leadership qualities.

Among the fresh faces included in the squad, Myles Lewis-Skelly has emerged as a promising talent at Arsenal, while Burn’s journey from youth player at Newcastle to a national team call-up exemplifies dedication and hard work. Newcastle coach Eddie Howe commended Burn, noting his inspirational journey through the football ranks.

Tuchel has also retained former Chelsea player Reece James, who last appeared for England in March 2023. England is set to start its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania at Wembley, followed by a match against Latvia on March 24. The announced squad reflects a blend of seasoned players and rising stars which may signify a new era under Tuchel’s leadership.

In summary, Thomas Tuchel’s inaugural England squad features significant selections such as Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson, aiming to build a competitive lineup for the upcoming World qualifiers. The inclusion of new talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn highlights Tuchel’s commitment to recognizing skill and leadership. This approach sets a promising tone for England’s journey towards the 2026 World Cup qualification.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com