Every Player in Latest England Football Squad

Thomas Tuchel has named his first 23-man England squad since taking charge on January 1. The proven winner, once linked to the Manchester United job, was confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s successor in October. However, with World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Albania and Latvia only just approaching, the German manager is only now offering a glimpse into his vision for the squad.

Entering a new chapter after the heartbreaking Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, former Champions League-winning Chelsea manager Tuchel has made it clear that his number one goal is to end England’s streak of near misses with a second World Cup victory in the USA and Mexico in 2026. He is certainly a tactician that has the credentials to do so, and he perfectly fits the remit of England needing a “world-class coach who has won trophies”.

Related

10 International Teams on Longest Trophy Droughts

There are three nations on more dehydrated barren runs than England.

The usual names, such as Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford, and Jude Bellingham pick for themselves, and it’s no surprise to see them retain the mainstay status they relished under Tuchel’s predecessor. However, five months is a long time in football, and so there are just as many new faces in the squad as there are the tried and tested, with Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly among the uncapped players now looking to make their mark in the World Cup qualifiers in March.

Goalkeepers

James Trafford included

Tuchel will almost certainly stick with Jordan Pickford as his first choice between the sticks. The Everton ace was a trusted servant under Southgate and played every minute of Euro 2024, before then carrying his form into the November internationals under interim manager Lee Carsley.

Dean Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale are back to deputise for Pickford, while James Trafford’s sensational form in the Championship has earned him a place in the squad. Burnley, eyeing promotion back into the Premier League, have conceded just 11 goals in 37 league games this term – a phenomenal statistic that proves how invincible their shot-stopper has bene at times this season.

Defenders

Dan Burn & Myles Lewis-Skelly set to earn their first caps

Harry Maguire, who has been a reliable servant for his country over the years, has continued to be omitted from the squad in favour of younger, more hungry defenders since Southgate’s departure. However, some form of maturity has been retained through the surprise inclusion of Dan Burn in Tuchel’s first squad.

The Newcastle defender could be set for three Wembley Stadium appearances on the spin after he takes to the hallowed turf with his club in Sunday afternoon’s League Cup final against Liverpool. The 32-year-old is currently looking to earn his first cap, alongside fellow new call-up Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has forged a reputation for himself as one of the best young players in the world in recent weeks.

Related

25 Best Young Players in World Football (Ranked)

The most gifted young footballers on the planet have been ranked in order.

Jarell Quansah, despite being on the fringes of the Liverpool squad this term, is another surprise inclusion in an injury-riddled defensive unit. Meanwhile, Reece James’ recent form has earned him a place, and perhaps due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent setback, Kyle Walker has kept his international career alive as he is the eldest defensive player named by Tuchel.

Midfielders

Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham among a star-studded midfield unit

England have never been short on excellent midfielders, and a lot of Tuchel’s first midfield selection is a continuation of Southgate and Carsley’s thinking. Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer are considered among the best players in their position, and they all retain their places to create a selection headache for their new boss.

They will be joined by Conor Gallagher, who has impressed since leaving boyhood club Chelsea for Atletico Madrid, as well as Ajax’s Jordan Henderson, who is perhaps the most controversial inclusion by Tuchel after the former Liverpool captain moved overseas to Saudi Arabia in 2023 to seemingly all but confirm the end of his prime years.

Forwards

Marcus Rashford makes blockbuster return

The country’s top goalscorer of all-time, Harry Kane, will continue to lead the line for Tuchel after starting the Bundesliga season in fine form for Bayern Munich, confirming his status as one of the best strikers in world football, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is a more than capable deputy, as evidenced by his tally of four goals for his country.

Marcus Rashford, after proving he is still worth his weight in gold during his loan spell with Villa, has been summoned for a return to the international fold. Tuchel has previously gone on record to publicise his admiration for the Manchester United outcast, and he has rewarded that love with a blockbuster return.

Notable Omissions

Harry Maguire, Adam Wharton, and Djed Spence miss out

The biggest criticism Tuchel will face this week is his decision to name 34-year-old Jordan Henderson in midfield over the younger and more exciting Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton. This was a particular point of interest in his predecessor’s squad choices, as Southgate was often slammed for picking too many conservative options in the middle of the park.

Djed Spence has been in fine form for Tottenham, and regular observers of the wide defender will also scrutinise the decision to hand Kyle Walker a recall when there are hungrier options, especially in a position plagued by injuries ahead of Tuchel’s debut matches.

Meanwhile, few will lose sleep over Harry Maguire’s absence, as many have long argued he’s too out-of-form to be a Three Lions regular, particularly given his lack of starts at club level. Yet, his omission feels symbolic – proof that England has turned the page, ushering in a new generation ready to make their mark.