Tuchel Announces Britain's Squad, Marcus Rashford Is Back

Marcus Rashford was summoned by Thomas Tuchel to the England national team (Instagram/@avfcofficial).

JAKARTA - Thomas Tuchel has given Marcus Rashford a surprise call in his first England squad, which also includes summons for Myles Lewis-Skelly, Dominic Solanke, and Dan Burn.

Rashford, 27, has not played for England since March 2024 and is no longer favored by Ruben Amorim at Manchester United before joining Aston Villa on loan in January 2024.

He has recorded three assists to date for The Villans since leaving Old Trafford.

"He has had a big impact in recent matches at Aston Villa. I am delighted to see his efforts in controlling the ball and his efforts to become the best team-mate possible and his energy consistent."

"There is no doubt about his talent and quality, but seeing him so decisive and physically involved, gives me the impression that this is the right time to call him and give him an extra push to keep him at that level," Tuchel said on the FA official website (British Football Association).

Tuchel, who started working as Gareth Southgate's permanent successor on January 1, 2025, appointed 26 players. Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Jordan Henderson has also returned to the team for the first time since playing for England in November 2023.

Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed an incredible season at Arsenal. The 18-year-old has passed the U-21 team completely to join the senior team soon.

"It feels like we're speeding up a career that's been going fast. I can assure you that talks in the last few days and weeks have had a kind of parent feel, a little protective feel."

"There's a sense of not being allowed to call him (Lewis-Skelly) to protect him a little bit so he doesn't miss the U-21 team, but letting him go to the U-21 team also makes him a little less highlighted. Is this probably our responsibility not to take it?"

"However, in the end with the injury and quality and maturity he showed in the match, we decided to take it," said Tuchel again.

Solanke has had an injury-hit season at Tottenham Hotspur, but beatten Watkins of Aston Villa, who had to be sidelined. While Burn has played an important part of Newcastle United who are trying to return to the Champions League next season.

Tuchel suggested that Burn and Henderson could be influential figures as he tries to form a squad capable of winning the 2026 World Cup.

"For me, Jordan is the same call for the same reason as Dan Burn. They carry these values on their shoulders and they bring a team."

"They are completely reliable in terms of energy. This is where our focus is on building a strong and compact team. Jordan is an important part of the puzzle for us," said Tuchel.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is not available due to an ankle problem that ruled him out of the Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Instead, Reece James was added even though he only performed 13 times for Chelsea in all competitions due to constant fitness problems.

"Reece works very hard to stay fit. She is fully ready. There is no doubt about Reece's quality and ability and what she can give us."

"However, we want to be flexible and have a wider reach. That's why it's fun to bring Reece back," said Tuchel.

Tuchel worked with James during his time as Chelsea Manager. Later, when he worked at Bayern Munich, the 51-year-old wanted to sign Kyle Walker from Manchester City.

Walker, who is now on loan at AC Milan, has been selected in a less experienced defense unit. He will be with Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, and Jarell Quansah.

Harry Maguire of Manchester United, who is the squad's mainstay player under Southgate despite being constantly criticized, did not enter.

Then, there is no place for Ben White from Arsenal, who refuses to play for England under the Southgate, or Manchester City's Jack Grealish.

Morgan Rogers was first elected by interim head coach Lee Carsley and the Villa midfielder qualified.

FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham confirmed last week that Tuchel had a long list of 55 players and he discussed the next steps after selecting the group.

"I'm so excited now to finally train after months of work."

"It's time to get back on the pitch and hug the players and encourage the players and apply certain styles of play and apply some rules and principles."

"I can't wait for that. We are so excited to lead the game at Wembley. This is beyond what I can imagine in my career," said the German coach.

England will face Albania and Latvia in the early match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the European Zone on March 22 and 25, 2025 which will be held at Wembley.

British Squad For 2026 World Cup Qualification

Goalkeeper: 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)

Midfielder: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Attacker: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)