Thomas Tuchel names his first England squad for World Cup qualifiers as Jordan Henderson makes shock return – with TWO players handed their maiden call-up

Thomas Tuchel has revealed his first England squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers – with Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford handed returns. 

Myles Lewis-Skelly has also been named in his maiden Three Lions squad while Newcastle’s Dan Burn, 32, has been included for the first time, as Mail Sport exclusively forecasted. 

Rashford makes his return to the England fold for the first time in a year, taking a forward place while Aston Villa team-mate Ollie Watkins is a notable absence. 

But the headline inclusion is Henderson, who many thought had ended his England career when he left Liverpool for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023.

Henderson, who has 81 caps, has not played for his country since November 2023 but moved to Ajax mid-way through last season. He was booed off by England fans just a month after his controversial move to Saudi Arabia. 

England will kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns against Albania and Latvia. 

Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Jordan Henderson has been handed a shock call-up, having last played for England in 2023

Marcus Rashford has also been included for the first time in a year after improving his form at Aston Villa 

German coach Tuchel officially started work on January 1 and has spent the last couple of months watching numerous games across Europe whilst also holding direct conversations with several players before finalising his squad.

Tuchel has named four goalkeepers in his squad in what is a rare move: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, Aaron Ramsdale, and James Trafford. 

Some may suggest this indicates that Tuchel is more open-minded about his goalkeeper selection, as typically international teams only take three.

Kyle Walker retains his place in the back line after his move on loan to AC Milan, despite struggling for form this season, while Reece James will hope to make his first England outing since March 2023. 

Levi Colwill, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah, Burn, and Lewis-Skelly complete the defence. 

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said of Burn’s inclusion at the age of 32: ‘Incredible moment for Dan. There’s no one more deserving in my opinion. Such an inspiring guy and a talented player. He’s had to do it the hard way coming through the leagues.

‘He is the model pro. He’s so committed to what he does.’ 

In midfield, Cole Palmer keeps his place despite recent scrutiny, while Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, Curtis Jones, and Henderson join him.

Newcastle defender Dan Burn has been handed his first England call-up at the age of 32

Arsenal full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, has been called up for the first time for the seniors

Ollie Watkins misses out on the England squad in a major blow for the Aston Villa striker 

Tuchel held talks with Ben White but has not included the Arsenal star in his first squad 

There is also a spot for Morgan Rogers, who made his first two appearances in England colours against Greece and Ireland off the bench in November.

Harry Kane is expected to lead the line, and worked with Tuchel at Bayern Munich last season to great effect.

Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Dominic Solanke, and Rashford complete the forward line. 

There are lots of notable absences, some of which can be put down to injury. Bukayo Saka, Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kobbie Mainoo, Lewis Hall, and Noni Madueke are among those to miss out with either confirmed injuries or fitness concerns. 

Tuchel did speak to England exile Ben White, who is fit again following a three-month lay off after knee surgery, but the Arsenal star is not in his squad, having only played 102 minutes since November. There was no indication of how their conversation went. 

November was the first time since 1976 that no Manchester United players had been named in the England squad, and that trend continues, if one excludes Rashford due to his Villa loan. 

Aston Villa forward Watkins is not injured and may feel aggrieved to miss out after bagging a haul of 14 goals and 11 assists this season, and long operating as the heir apparent to Kane’s centre forward throne.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham recently revealed that Tuchel had 55 players on his long list for his selection. 

With Harry Maguire (pictured) and Kobbie Mainoo out injured, there are no Man United players in the squad (excluding Rashford, who is on loan at Aston Villa) 

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham (left) said Tuchel has made a ‘strong impact’ so far

‘He’s made a really strong impact,’ said Bullingham.

‘He’s really hit the ground running. He’s been up there (St George’s Park) a lot and spent a lot of time with people.

‘He realised early on that you don’t build those connections in the 60 days you get together, so he’s put a lot of effort into that. 

‘He’s got 55 on his long list and makes sure that he’s got a strong connection with them and they know that he’s seen them. 

‘It’s not only the players in England, it’s players playing abroad as well, and that will only stand us in good stead in the long run.