Henderson last played for England in November 2023, while there is also a recall for Marcus Rashford and a first call-up for Myles Lewis-Skelly
Jordan Henderson has earned a shock recall with Marcus Rashford and Myles Lewis-Skelly also included in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad for two upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Former Liverpool midfielder Henderson last featured for England in November 2023, and currently plays for Ajax after a failed stint in Saudi Arabia.
That initial move to the Saudi Pro League appeared to bring an end to his England chances, but 12 months on from last making the squad – he was an unused sub against Belgium last March – the 34-year-old is named among four central midfielders in Tuchel’s squad.
Meanwhile, it is a first inclusion in a year for Rashford, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United and has enjoyed a bright start under Unai Emery’s side.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, earns his first senior call-up. There is also an inclusion for Dan Burn, the versatile Newcastle defender who makes the senior squad for the first time.
England host Albania on Friday 21 March at Wembley, Tuchel’s first game in charge, and take on Latvia at the national stadium three days later on Monday 24 March.
More to follow.
England squad in full
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, 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)