Thomas Tuchel Explains Bold Selections in First England Squad
Thomas Tuchel has shed light on the reasoning behind his headline-making squad choices after naming his first England squad as manager.
A new era for the Three Lions officially begins next week, with World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and Albania at Wembley on the horizon. The former Chelsea boss has certainly made some eye-catching decisions, including recalling Marcus Rashford after a year in the international wilderness.
Tuchel has also opted for experience, bringing back Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker, while controversially overlooking Nottingham Forest duo Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliott Anderson.
Injuries have also played a role in Tuchel’s decision-making. The absences of Lewis Hall and Luke Shaw opened the door for a shock call-up for 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, but there was no place for his Arsenal teammate Ethan Nwaneri.
Tuchel Defends Jordan Henderson’s Recall
Perhaps the most surprising selection is Jordan Henderson, whose England career appeared over after being left out of the Euro 2024 squad. However, Tuchel made it clear why he felt the veteran midfielder deserved another shot.
“Jordan is a serial winner. He is captain of Ajax, has played a lot of matches, and brings leadership, character, personality, and energy to every team he is part of,” Tuchel explained.
“He ensures that everyone upholds standards, and that is exactly what we want to build—a team that our fans can be proud of. Jordan embodies everything we want from this England squad.”
🔴 Tuchel’s First England Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders:
Dan Burn (Newcastle), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Man 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), Phil Foden (Man City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, on loan from Man United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)
Rashford’s Redemption Arc Earns Recall
Marcus Rashford’s return to the England squad is another major talking point. The forward fell out with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim earlier this season but has since rediscovered his form on loan at Aston Villa.
Tuchel believes Rashford’s impressive work rate and impact off the bench warranted a recall.
“With Marcus, it’s a familiar face but a different situation,” Tuchel said. “I felt that he made a huge impact at Aston Villa, even when coming off the bench. His physical presence, defensive work rate, and tracking back have been impressive.”
Though Rashford is yet to score for Villa, he has provided three assists and—perhaps more importantly—rediscovered his hunger after a difficult 12 months.
At Manchester United, Rashford often looked lost under Erik ten Hag’s fluid system and struggled in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation. Now, under Unai Emery’s structured tactics, he has thrived, forming an effective partnership with fellow loanee Marco Asensio.
Tuchel, known for his meticulous tactical approach, could be the perfect coach to continue Rashford’s resurgence.
“I had the strong feeling that we should bring him in and push him to maintain this level—so that he doesn’t fall back into old routines,” Tuchel added.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Rapid Rise
The biggest surprise in the squad is Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has transitioned into a makeshift left-back this season.
The 18-year-old has made headlines for both his talent and controversy, including goading Erling Haaland in Arsenal’s recent win over Manchester City, as well as receiving two red cards in high-profile clashes against Wolves and West Ham.
Tuchel admitted that there were discussions about keeping him with the Under-21s but ultimately felt his performances for second-placed Arsenal justified his senior call-up.
“He is playing regularly for the team second in the country, in the best league in the world—so he deserves this opportunity. He can handle the heat,” Tuchel said.
Can Tuchel’s New-Look England Deliver?
Tuchel’s bold squad selections reflect both his trust in experience and his willingness to take risks on young talent. The World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and Albania will provide the first real test of whether his vision for England’s future can translate into success on the pitch.
