Marcus Rashford’s resurgence continues as new England manager Thomas Tuchel has included the Aston Villa loanee in his first squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. This marks Rashford’s return to the international stage after a 12-month absence.
The 27-year-old forward left Manchester United in January after being frozen out by Ruben Amorim. Since joining Villa, Rashford has yet to score but has provided three assists and shown signs of rediscovering his passion for the game under Unai Emery’s tactical guidance.
Tuchel’s decision to recall Rashford comes as England deals with injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Harry Maguire. Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle defender Dan Burn have also earned their first call-ups, while Manchester City’s Jack Grealish misses out due to a lack of playing time.
Rashford’s return has been aided by his growing partnership with fellow Villa loanee Marco Asensio. The forward struggled under Erik ten Hag’s chaotic system at United and failed to fit into Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation. However, he has thrived under Emery’s more structured tactics, which aligns with Tuchel’s detailed approach.
Tuchel acknowledged that Rashford’s inclusion is partly due to the absence of Saka and Ethan Nwaneri’s continued development with the U21s. However, the German coach believes Rashford’s improved work rate and attitude merit his return to the national team.
In the absence of defensive stalwarts John Stones and Harry Maguire, Tuchel has turned to Burn and Lewis-Skelly, while veteran Kyle Walker makes the squad after his January move to AC Milan. Aaron Ramsdale retains his spot in goal despite Southampton’s struggles, joining Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, and James Trafford.
Jude Bellingham will be key in midfield, alongside a rejuvenated Jordan Henderson, now thriving at Ajax. Up front, Dominic Solanke will provide backup to England’s all-time top scorer Harry Kane, who recently fired Bayern Munich into the Champions League quarter-finals.
England will face Albania and Latvia at Wembley next week, with Tuchel aiming to begin his tenure with two convincing victories.
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