Rashford, Lewis Skelly named in England squad

When his loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa was announced in January, Marcus Rashford stated that it was an opportunity at a fresh start and some time away from the Manchester pressure cooker.

Five weeks later and his move can be vindicated after earning a call up to the England squad named Friday by head coach Thomas Tuchel.

England play Albania and Latvia at Wembley in their first World Cup 2026 qualifiers next week.

Rashford was frozen out by new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim in December but his form has been impressive since joining Villa. He last featured for England last March.

There is also a surprise return to the squad for Jordan Henderson.

The Ajax midfielder's last appearance was in November 2023 against Malta.

Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis Skelly has also been named after an impressive start to life in the Gunners Premier League and Champions League chase this season.

Kyle Walker also earned a call as did Tottenham's Dominic Solanke.

England Squad

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, 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, loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur).