Thomas Tuchel has released his first squad as England manager, and the 26-man list features several surprising names and first-time call-ups.
The Three Lions start their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with home games against Albania and Latvia later this month.
“When we can build this quickly, our fans will notice, and this will give us the extra boost,” explained Tuchel.
“The focus is not only on talent and not only on quality, it is what you bring to the group and how you be a good teammate.”
New faces in the squad
One of the most exciting decisions in Tuchel’s squad is the inclusion of Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The teenager has made 26 league appearances this season and has impressed with his performances.
“We accelerate Myles’s career again, which is already on the fast track,” Tuchel said. “He’s a regular starter and a regular player for Arsenal at the moment. He’s nothing but impressive.
“He will now skip the under-21s, which would be a regular pathway for him, but due to injuries and due to the flexibility that we want to have in our squad and due to his capability, quality and game time recently, he deserves to be with us.
Another fresh face is Newcastle United defender Dan Burn, who has made over 100 senior appearances for his boyhood club.
“He’s had a very impressive career, and he’s a very solid player,” Tuchel added. “He’s a very solid defender and a leader in the group.
“I have spoken to Dan, and it was a very impressive phone call with very impressive messages that made me very comfortable in this call-up that we have picked a top team player that will help us build the right team.”
Notable returns to the squad
Several players who have been out of the squad for some time have also made a return. Reece James, Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford are back in the fold.
James returns for the first time since March 2023 and will reunite with Tuchel. They won the Champions League together in 2021.
Tuchel praised Henderson’s leadership qualities and what he brings to the squad.
Rashford also returns after missing the 2024 European Championship. Tuchel acknowledged his influence at Aston Villa and praised his physical presence on the pitch.
“He’s had a huge impact lately in the matches at Aston Villa,” said Tuchel. “I was delighted to see his effort on the ball and his effort to be the best teammate possible and his consistent energy.
Surprising omissions raise eyebrows
One of the most surprising omissions is Chelsea forward Cole Palmer. While his recent form has been inconsistent, his 14 goals and six assists this season highlight his quality.
Another unexpected omission is Ollie Watkins. The Villa forward has registered 25 goal contributions in all competitions this season.
Henderson’s inclusion while dropping one of England’s most lethal attackers has raised eyebrows amongst fans and pundits.
Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is also missing, despite being key to their Champions League push. Adam Wharton, Jack Grealish and James Maddison have also been omitted.
England squad
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, 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), and 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, loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur).
