England Gears Up for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with New Faces and Familiar Stars
The England national football team has officially announced its squad for the upcoming March international break as they begin their qualification journey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under newly appointed manager Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions will face Latvia and Albania in two crucial fixtures at Wembley Stadium on March 21 and March 24, respectively.
One of the most notable inclusions in the squad is Marcus Rashford, the Aston Villa forward currently on loan from Manchester United. Rashford’s return to the national team is a significant development after missing out on England’s UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, where Spain defeated England in the final. His last appearance for the Three Lions was in a friendly match against Brazil in March 2024. Since his move to Aston Villa in January, Rashford has regained form, impressing with his attacking prowess and determination, which has earned him a recall to the national side.
New Faces in Tuchel’s England Squad
Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection reflects a balance between experienced players and promising young talents. Among the fresh faces receiving their first senior call-ups are Arsenal's teenage midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle United's versatile defender Dan Burn. Both players are expected to make their senior debuts during this international window.
At just 18 years old, Myles Lewis-Skelly has quickly risen through the ranks at Arsenal, making his senior debut for the club in September 2024. Despite limited professional experience, the young midfielder has demonstrated remarkable composure and skill, earning him a place in England’s senior squad. His inclusion highlights Tuchel’s intent to integrate young talents into the team’s future plans.
Newcastle’s Dan Burn, a seasoned defender, also finds himself in the squad for the first time. Known for his towering presence and defensive solidity, Burn's performances in the Premier League have been commendable, and his call-up is seen as a reward for his consistent displays. At 31 years old, he brings valuable experience to the backline and could play a crucial role in bolstering England’s defense.
Key Absentees and Controversial Omissions
While the squad announcement has been met with excitement, a few notable absences have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts. Aston Villa’s prolific striker Ollie Watkins has been left out of the squad, with Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke preferred in his place. Solanke, who recently made his return from a two-month injury layoff, showcased his goal-scoring prowess in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, which may have influenced Tuchel’s decision.
Another surprise exclusion is Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been a regular feature in previous England squads. His omission could be due to tactical preferences or ongoing fitness concerns. Additionally, long-time England midfielder Kalvin Phillips has also been overlooked, signaling a shift towards new midfield options in the squad.
The Return of Jordan Henderson and Other Experienced Figures
Amidst the influx of new talents, Tuchel has also retained some experienced players to provide leadership and stability. One such inclusion is Jordan Henderson, the 34-year-old midfielder currently playing for Ajax. Henderson last featured for England in November 2023 against Malta and has been an integral part of the national team since making his debut in 2010 under former manager Fabio Capello. His vast experience and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset, especially as England prepares for a rigorous qualification campaign.
England’s Complete Squad for the March International Break
Goalkeepers:
- Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
- Jordan Pickford (Everton)
- Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton)
- James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders:
- Dan Burn (Newcastle United)
- Levi Colwill (Chelsea)
- Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
- Reece James (Chelsea)
- Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
- Tino Livramento (Newcastle United)
- Jarell Quansah (Liverpool)
- Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from 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)
England’s Road to the 2026 World Cup Begins
The upcoming matches against Albania and Latvia mark the beginning of England’s qualification journey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both fixtures will be played at Wembley Stadium, where England will look to start their campaign on a positive note.
Facing Albania and Latvia provides an opportunity for England to assert dominance early in the qualifiers. Latvia, historically an underdog in European football, will look to cause an upset, while Albania has shown significant improvement in recent years, making them a potential threat. Tuchel’s tactical approach and team selection will be under scrutiny as he aims to implement his philosophy and lead England to success.
What This Squad Selection Means for England’s Future
Tuchel’s first England squad selection provides a glimpse into his vision for the team’s future. The inclusion of young talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Morgan Rogers signals an emphasis on developing the next generation of English footballers. Meanwhile, the recall of Marcus Rashford highlights the manager’s willingness to reward players based on current form rather than past performances.
The defensive selections suggest Tuchel is looking to create a more stable and adaptable backline, with Dan Burn’s presence adding height and physicality. In midfield, the continued reliance on Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice indicates they will remain key pillars in England’s setup moving forward.
The striking department sees a mix of proven goal-scorers and emerging stars. With Harry Kane leading the line, Marcus Rashford and Dominic Solanke have the opportunity to stake their claims as reliable attacking options.
Final Thoughts
As England embarks on its 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, the squad selection for the March international break sets the tone for what lies ahead. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, Tuchel has assembled a squad that reflects both stability and progression. The matches against Albania and Latvia will provide an early test of his tactical acumen and the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
Fans will be eagerly watching how the Three Lions perform under Tuchel’s management, especially with key returns and debutants making headlines. England’s journey to the World Cup starts now, and the squad selected for this international break could play a crucial role in shaping their future success.