Marcus Rashford has made a sensational return to the England squad as new head coach Thomas Tuchel names his first roster ahead of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Aston Villa forward, on loan from Manchester United, is back in the national setup after nearly a year-long absence.
Rashford last featured for England in a friendly against Brazil in March 2024 but was dropped following a dip in form at Manchester United. Since moving to Aston Villa in January, the 27-year-old has yet to score but has provided four assists, showing glimpses of his attacking prowess. Tuchel, who once called Rashford a “big threat” during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, appears to have reignited faith in the forward’s abilities.
Tuchel’s squad announcement also includes fresh faces, with Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly receiving their first call-ups. The 32-year-old Burn has been a defensive rock for Newcastle, showcasing versatility in both central defense and left-back positions. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly has emerged as one of Arsenal’s breakout stars this season, impressing with his adaptability across midfield and defense.
England kicks off their World Cup qualifying campaign with back-to-back fixtures at Wembley—first against Albania on Friday, March 21, followed by Latvia on Monday, March 24 (both 19:45 GMT kick-offs).
Another surprise inclusion in Tuchel’s squad is Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson. The 34-year-old, who made his England debut under Fabio Capello in 2010, returns to the national team after last playing against Malta in November 2023.
In the goalkeeping department, Burnley’s James Trafford will compete for his first senior cap alongside regulars Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, and Aaron Ramsdale. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke has earned a recall after recovering from injury, edging out Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
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Tuchel’s first squad signals a blend of youth and experience, with England fans eager to see how his tactical approach reshapes the team’s fortunes on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Full England Squad for March 2025 Fixtures:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Manchester City)
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 United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, on loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)
With Tuchel at the helm, all eyes will be on how England performs under his leadership as they take their first steps toward the 2026 World Cup.
