Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
In a stunning turn of events, Marcus Rashford is expected to earn his first England call-up for 12 months
In a stunning turn of events, Marcus Rashford is expected to earn his first England call-up for 12 months.
Thomas Tuchel names his first official squad today (March 14) ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley Stadium. Rashford, who has been back on song recently thanks to a winter loan move to Aston Villa, is reportedly set to earn a spot.
Hide Ad
That’s according to The Athletic, with a report suggesting Rashford has made the cut ahead of former Villa man and Manchester City star Jack Grealish. Tuchel only has room for one more left-sided attacker and is opting for Rashford based on form, it’s claimed.
Grealish was named in Lee Carsley’s last England squad back in November but he later pulled out through injury. The £100 million former Villa man has hardly played for Man City this season, accumulating just 1,319 minutes across all competitions with just 605 of those in the Premier League. Grealish has scored only two goals in 2024/25, assisting a further five.
Rashford, on the other hand, has been on fire since joining up with Unai Emery at Villa Park. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim left Rashford out in the cold for a poor work rate but Villa have seen everything but a poor attitude as the 27-year-old has thrown his heart and soul into his first nine appearances.
Villa fans are yet to see a goal from Rashford in his new colours but he has notched four assists across the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. All four assists have been provided for fellow marquee deadline day loan signing Marco Asensio, who astonishingly has seven goals in his first eight Villa appearances.
Hide Ad
He’s also formed a nice partnership with Morgan Rogers, who is also expected to play for England during the upcoming international break. Jacob Ramsey misses out on this occasion but could be in line for future opportunities if he carries on progressing the way he is.
Tuchel hands first England call-ups to Newcastle and Arsenal stars
Rashford isn’t the only surprise admission in this latest England squad as Newcastle United defender Dan Burn is set for his first-ever Three Lions call-up at the age of 32. It’s been a long-time coming for the 6ft 7in giant who has played an integral role in the Magpies’ success following his £15 million arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022.
Meanwhile, versatile Arsenal wing-back Myles Lewis-Skelly is also set to be included. The 18-year-old - albeit sent off twice in recent months - has stepped up for the Gunners during a difficult campaign, covering for injuries on both sides of defence. Lewis-Skelly’s inclusion could mean on-fire Tottenham Hotspur wing-back Djed Spence is ignored.
The full squad will be announced at 9am with Tuchel to address the press later this morning.