Thomas Tuchel confirms first squad as England manager as Jordan Henderson makes shock return | OneFootball

Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn win first call-ups with Marcus Rashford back in the mix too

Thomas Tuchel has named Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle defender Dan Burn in his first squad as England manager.

Neither 18-year-old left-back Lewis-Skelly nor the versatile Burn, 32, have ever been called up for the England senior team before.

Tuchel has also handed a re-call to the Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson.

However, there was no space in the squad for the likes of James Maddison, Jack Grealish, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Adam Wharton, Ben White or Harry Maguire.

There was a boost for Marcus Rashford, rewarded for his impressive form for Aston Villa with a first call-up in 12 months. The 27-year-old left boyhood club Manchester United to join Villa on loan in January. Rashford was omitted from Gareth Southgate's Euros squad last summer and the Nations League campaign overseen by interim boss Lee Carsley.

Kyle Walker’s hopes of reaching a century of international caps received a boost as the 34-year-old, who swapped Manchester City for AC Milan on loan in January, was also selected. His tally of international appearances stands at 93.

Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson has caught Tuchel’s eye at Ajax

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Reece James, who Tuchel managed at Chelsea, is also included in the squad, having last played for England against Italy two years ago.

"When we can build this quickly, our fans will notice and this will give us the extra boost," Tuchel said.

"The focus is not only on talent and not only on quality, it is what you bring to the group and how you be a good team-mate."

John Stones, Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kobbie Mainoo are among the eligible players who are injured, so were not in consideration this month.

Tuchel was hired as England manager in mid-October on an 18-month contracting targeting glory at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. He officially took up the post on January 1.

On Friday morning, Tuchel selected 26 players in his first squad ahead of England’s first two World Cup qualifiers later this month, having whittled down the names from a long list of 55.

The Three Lions host Albania at Wembley next Friday before returning to the national stadium on Monday to welcome Latvia, who they have never faced at senior level.

The selection of Lewis-Skelly could be significant looking forward, given England’s struggles at left-back.

Lewis Hall, of Newcastle, would likely have been called up if fit but is out for the season, while Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell have struggled with form and fitness.

On handing maiden call-ups to Lewis-Skelly and Burn, Tuchel said: "They've had very different pathways to the first call-up.

"We accelerate Myles' career again which is already on fast track. He's a regular starter and a regular player for Arsenal at the moment. He's nothing but impressive. He will now skip the Under-21s which would be a regular pathway for him but due to injuries and due to the flexibility that we want to have in our squad and due to his capability, quality and game time recently, he deserves to be with us.

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s brilliant form has been rewarded with a call-up

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"(Burn) has had a very impressive career and he's a very solid player. He's a very solid defender and a leader in the group. I have spoken to Dan and it was a very impressive phone call with very impressive messages that made me very comfortable in this call-up that we have picked a top team player that will help us build the right team."

Tuchel says the rationale for Henderson's return is similar to his decision to include Burn, noting the values they carry "on their shoulders" and how they "carry their teams".

As for Rashford, the England boss has been impressed by the forward's start to life at Villa.

"He's had a huge impact lately in the matches at Aston Villa," he said. "I was delighted to see his effort on the ball and his effort to be the best team-mate possible and his consistent energy.

"There is no doubt about his talent and about his quality, but to see him so decisive and so physically involved gave me the impression that it is the right moment to call him up and give him the extra push that he stays on that level."

Squad in full

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)

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)