Thomas Tuchel explained his decision to recall Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford to the England squad on Friday afternoon. The national coach called the Ajax captain a 'serial winner' and praised his leadership qualities: 'Jordan represents everything we expect from this team.'
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It had been a year since Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford last wore the England shirt, a period marked by challenges, transitions, and missed opportunities.
Both players were forced to watch from the sidelines as the Three Lions embarked on their European Championship campaign, ultimately reaching the final but falling short against Spain. The heartbreak of that loss, coupled with their own absences, made the last year a frustrating one for both players, who now have a fresh chance under new leadership.
The appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England’s head coach on January 1, 2025, signaled a new era for the national team. Tuchel, known for his tactical discipline, intensity, and ability to rejuvenate squads, wasted no time in making bold decisions. One of those was recalling two players who, despite their past contributions, had seen their England careers stall for different reasons. Henderson, now captain of Ajax, and Rashford, who has impressed at Aston Villa, have been given a new opportunity to prove their worth as England prepares for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
England will face Albania on Friday, March 21, at 20:45 in what promises to be a key fixture on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While England remains one of the favorites to qualify, Tuchel is determined to use these matches to shape his squad, refine his tactical approach, and identify the leaders who can help drive the team forward. These games will be more than just an opportunity to pick up points they will be a testing ground for new ideas and a fresh hierarchy within the squad, with returning figures like Henderson and Rashford playing a pivotal role.
When discussing his decision to bring Henderson back into the squad, Tuchel was full of praise for the veteran midfielder. He highlighted the player’s qualities, emphasizing that his experience, leadership, and relentless energy set the standard for others. Henderson, who moved to Ajax after leaving Saudi Arabia, has worked his way back into top form, earning the trust of his new club and now of his national team coach. His presence in the England squad is not just about what he can do on the pitch but also about how he can elevate those around him.
Tuchel revealed that he had taken the time to personally reach out to Henderson before making his decision. He wanted to gauge the player’s mindset and see if he was prepared for an international return. The response he received left a lasting impression. "We had a phone call a few weeks ago in which I wanted to introduce myself, hear his thoughts on a return, and see if he was ready," Tuchel explained. "The pure joy and humility with which he accepted the decision to rejoin the England squad were very impressive."
Henderson’s role in the squad could extend beyond the two upcoming qualifiers. With England heading into a crucial phase of their World Cup qualification campaign, having a player with his level of experience could be vital. While he may not be the same player he was during his peak years at Liverpool, his football intelligence and ability to organize a midfield remain valuable assets. His selection is not just a nod to his past achievements but a recognition of what he can still offer.
For Rashford, the path back to the national team has been slightly different. Unlike Henderson, whose leadership qualities were a major factor in his recall, Rashford’s inclusion is based on recent performances at club level. Tuchel pointed out that while Rashford’s talent has never been in question, it was his adaptability and work rate that ultimately convinced the coaching staff to bring him back into the fold.
"He is a well-known name, but he was in a different role. I felt that he had a huge impact at Aston Villa, especially as a substitute. His defensive work and tracking back really stood out. I had a strong feeling that we needed to select him, bring him in, and push him to maintain this level without falling back into old habits. This selection is about keeping him at this level," Tuchel explained.
The mention of "old habits" was telling. Rashford’s career has had its ups and downs, with flashes of brilliance sometimes followed by periods of inconsistency. His move to Aston Villa appears to have reignited his form, with Tuchel particularly impressed by his willingness to contribute defensively. In the past, Rashford has often been viewed as a player whose main strengths lie in his attacking instincts, but Tuchel sees a more complete player one who can influence games beyond just goals and assists.
Rashford’s inclusion in the squad is not just about what he has done recently, but also about what he can still become. England has an abundance of attacking talent, and competition for places is fierce. By selecting Rashford, Tuchel is sending a message that performances matter more than reputations. If Rashford continues to show the same work ethic and impact he has displayed at Aston Villa, he could find himself becoming a key part of England’s plans once again.
The return of both Henderson and Rashford reflects Tuchel’s approach as England’s new head coach. He is not afraid to make bold decisions, nor is he hesitant to bring back players who still have something to offer. As England prepares for their crucial World Cup qualifiers, all eyes will be on these two returning stars to see if they can seize their opportunity and help lead the team toward success.
