As the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers’ international break draws nearer, countries’ national teams have begun to drop their first squad lists. The England national team was the most anticipated by football lovers over the world.
On the 16th of October, 2024, Thomas Tuchel was announced to be the successor of Gareth Southgate. Prior to his appointment, Tuchel had managerial stints at Chelsea and Bayern Munich, achieving notable success, including a Champions League title with Chelsea in 2021.
As of today, Tuchel officially announced his first England squad to be used for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Four returnees to the Three Lions squad and two first call-ups:
Marcus Rashford: His last appearance for the Three Lions was in March 2024, coming on as a substitute against Brazil at Wembley.
Jordan Henderson: The Ajax captain is back after two years; he last played for England in November 2023.
Reece James: The Chelsea captain and Tuchel’s protégé back in 2021 returns to the squad list after a two-year absence.
Aaron Ramsdale: The former Arsenal number one is also back in the squad; his last appearance for the national team was on June 7, 2024.
Thomas Tuchel has also introduced new faces for the upcoming World Cup qualifier games. The notable call-ups are:
Myles Lewis-Skelly: The 18-year-old Arsenal midfielder receives his first senior call-up, having previously represented England at various youth levels.
Dan Burn: At 32, the Newcastle United defender earns his maiden international selection, reflecting his consistent performances in the Premier League.
Jarell Quansah: The young Liverpool defender has also been included in the squad, marking his first opportunity at the senior international level. Quansah was included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2024, marking his initial involvement with the senior national team. However, he was not selected for the final 26-man squad.
Thomas Tuchel has announced his first England squad for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. Unfortunately Jadon Sancho and Trent Alexander-Arnold were not called this time
Here is the full 26-man roster:
Goalkeepers:
Dean Henderson – Crystal Palace
Jordan Pickford – Everton
Aaron Ramsdale – Arsenal
James Trafford – Burnley
Defenders:
Dan Burn – Newcastle United
Levi Colwill – Chelsea
Marc Guéhi – Crystal Palace
Reece James – Chelsea
Ezri Konsa – Aston Villa
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal
Tino Livramento – Newcastle United
Jarell Quansah – Liverpool
Kyle Walker – Manchester 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 United
Phil Foden – Manchester City
Anthony Gordon – Newcastle United
Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
Marcus Rashford – Aston Villa (on loan from Manchester United)
Dominic Solanke – Tottenham Hotspur
