New England manager Thomas Tuchel has included veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson in his inaugural squad for the March 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The unexpected recall comes as Henderson, now 34, returns to the international stage after an absence stretching back to Gareth Southgate’s tenure.
Tuchel’s first squad is a blend of experience and fresh talent, with Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly and versatile Newcastle United defender Dan Burn receiving their first senior call-ups.
Marcus Rashford also makes a high-profile return, rewarded for his impressive resurgence on loan at Aston Villa.
Despite his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad last summer, Henderson has forced his way back into contention after a short stint in Saudi Arabia with Al Ettifaq, followed by a return to Europe with Ajax.
His performances in the Eredivisie have evidently convinced Tuchel of his value, particularly in a midfield lineup lacking depth beyond Declan Rice.
Tuchel spoke of Henderson’s inclusion as a reflection of the midfielder’s leadership and tactical acumen. The Ajax player joins a midfield group featuring Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze, but high-profile absentees include Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the latter sidelined by an ankle injury sustained in the Champions League.
England’s road to the 2026 World Cup begins with a fixture against Albania on March 21, followed by a clash with Latvia three days later. Tuchel’s selections hint at a vision that blends youthful exuberance with experienced heads to navigate the challenges ahead.
England Squad for March 2026 World Cup Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), 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 (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).
