Last week saw the long-awaited announcement of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, who will start their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup with a double-header at Wembley against Albania and Latvia. With the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager only on an 18-month contract, which is set to expire after the World Cup in 2026, he’ll be wanting to hit the ground running with a strong 24-man squad and a good run of form heading into the tournament.
The spine of the squad remains similar to previous international breaks with the likes of Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane all returning. Tuchel’s squad also contains a few familiar faces which have divided opinions across the country:
Marcus Rashford returns to the England set-up after impressing Tuchel since his loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa in January, Rashford is yet to score at Villa but has contributed with four assists as he seeks to get his career back on track. Having not featured for England since March 2024 he will be hoping to capitalise on recent form and cement his place in Tuchel’s squad for 2026. Another familiar face is 34-year-old Ajax Captain Jordan Henderson who returns to the side, with his experience in major tournaments key for a changing room looking to find silverware in Tuchel’s eyes.
Despite registering 38 appearances for Ajax across all competitions this season many feel his inclusion means there is no space for 21-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who was a part of the Euro 2024 squad. With Tuchel on a shorter contract than England managers before him, he has opted for experienced Internationals with only one aim and that is succeeding in the summer of 2026, with the possibility of ending what will be 60 years of hurt.
Tuchel’s first England squad also shows signs of developing and rewarding talent both young and old
Tuchel’s first England squad also shows signs of developing and rewarding talent both young and old with him giving debut call-ups to the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn, along with the likes of James Trafford and Jarell Quansah all hoping to win their first caps for the senior side. Dan Burn’s involvement marks a footballing love story with the 32-year-old beginning his professional career with non-league side Darlington before spending time with Fulham, Yeovil, Birmingham, Wigan, and Brighton before joining the Magpies in 2022. Recent Carabao Cup success shows Burn is both a winner and a presence both on and off the pitch.
The selection headache for Tuchel will continue throughout his tenure as he still awaits the return of injured stars such as Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer (his last minute drop out saw Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White make the squad) and of course having to consider the form of other English talent performing well in both England and Europe, with the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ethan Nwaneri, and Connor Gallagher missing out.
Friday’s fixture in the capital could show promise of an exciting side. Tuchel may favour experience while also distributing potential debuts for those in the side.
