Thomas Tuchel has given Marcus Rashford a shock retreat in his first England team, which also includes calls for Myles Lewis-Skell, Dominic Solanke and Dan Burn.
Rashford, 27, has not played for England since March 2024 and fell out of disgrace under Ruben Amorim in Manchester United before joining Aston Villa provided in January, where he has registered three assists to date.
Speaking to the Football Association website, Tuchel said: “Lately he has had a great impact on Aston Villa matches.
“He was delighted to see his effort in the ball and his effort to be the best possible teammate and his constant energy.
“There is no doubt about its talent and quality, but seeing it so decisive and physically involved gave me the impression that it is the right time to call it and give it the additional impulse that remains at that level.”
Tuchel, who began working as the permanent successor of Gareth Southgate on January 1, appointed a group of 26 men that included four goalkeepers and a retirement for Aaron Ramsdale of Southampton, while Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson also returns to the configuration the first time since March. The last time he played for England in November 2023.
Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed an innovative campaign in Arsenal and the 18-year-old avoids the Sub-21 configuration completely to join the Senior group immediately.
“It feels a bit as if we quickly force a race that is already in a fast pace,” Tuchel said. “I can assure you that the conversations in recent days and weeks had a kind of parental atmosphere, a little protective viber, to feel that perhaps we should not nominate it to protect it a bit, so as not to jump to children under 21, to let it go to those under 21 where it is out of light.
“But in the end with injuries and the quality and maturity he showed in the matches, we decided to take it.
Solanke has had a campaign affected by the injuries in Tottenham, but surpassed Ollie Watkins by Aston Villa, who is lost, while Burn has been part of a Newcastle team by pressing for a return to the football of the Champions League.
Tuchel suggested that Burn and Henderson could become influential figures while seeking to mold a squad capable of winning the World Cup next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“For me, Jordan is a similar call for the same reasons that give Burn,” Tuchel said. “They carry these values on their shoulders and carry their equipment. It is absolutely reliable what they contribute in terms of energy and this is where the approach is also for us to build a strong team and a cohesive team. Jordan is a great piece in that puzzle for us.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold was not selected, although the Liverpool defender is currently suffering an ankle problem that rules it from the Sunday Cup final on Sunday against Newcastle.
Instead, Reece James is included despite making only 13 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions due to persistent physical conditioning problems.
“Reece works very hard to be fit,” Tuchel said. “It is completely available. There is no doubt about the quality and ability to reece and what can bring us, but we want to be flexible and have a slightly broader range and that is why it was a pleasure to bring Reece back.”
Tuchel worked with James during his time as Chelsea head and then when he was employed at Bayern Munich, the 51 -year -old man wanted to sign Kyle Walker from Manchester City.
Walker, now in AC Milan on loan, has been selected in an inexperienced defensive unit that includes Marc Guyhi, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento and Jarell Quanseah.
Harry Maguire, from Manchester United, who was an unconditional of the team under Southgate despite persistent criticisms, is lost while there was no place for Ben White from Arsenal, who refused to play for England under Southgate, or Jack Grealish of Manchester City.
Morgan Rogers was first selected by the interim coach Lee Carsley and the Villa midfielder made the cut. The FA Executive President Mark Bullingham confirmed last week that Tuchel had a long list of 55 players and discussed the next steps after reducing that group.
“I am very excited now for training finally after so many months already at work: it is time to return to the field and hug the players and push the players and implement a certain style of play and implement some rules and principles,” Tuchel explained.
“I can't wait for that. We are very excited to be in charge of a game in Wembley. It's beyond what I can imagine from my career.”
England squad of 26 men from Tuchel
Porters: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley)
Defensores: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guyhi (Crystal Palace), Rece (Millyle Walker, SESSTER of Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberrechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Pale (Chelsea), Decan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards: Jarod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, Manchester United's loan), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)
