Thomas Tuchel has announced his first England squad since taking over as manager. The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss, who officially assumed the role on January 1, has made several unexpected choices in his 26-player selection for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

Tuchel’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the Three Lions, with the German tactician tasked with leading England to their first major trophy since 1966.

His 18-month contract, which runs until the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, has been met with high expectations and a sense of optimism among fans and pundits alike.

Among the most surprising inclusions in Tuchel’s squad are Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle defender Dan Burn. Neither player has previously been called up to the senior national team, making their selection a bold statement from the new manager.

Lewis-Skelly, an 18-year-old left-back, has been fast-tracked into the first team setup after an impressive season with the Gunners. Burn, 32, brings versatility and experience to the squad, having played a key role in Newcastle’s solid defensive performances this season.

Another notable inclusion is Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has earned a recall to the national team after a period of absence. Henderson’s return is seen as a testament to his enduring quality and leadership on the pitch.

While Tuchel’s squad features several fresh faces, it also sees the omission of some established names. James Maddison, Jack Grealish, Angel Gomes, Adam Wharton, and Harry Maguire have all been left out of the squad, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts.

The exclusion of these players suggests that Tuchel is keen to inject new energy and ideas into the team as they embark on their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Despite the surprises, Tuchel has retained a core group of experienced players. Marcus Rashford, who has been in scintillating form for Aston Villa, returns to the national team after a year-long absence.

Kyle Walker, now on loan at AC Milan, has also been included, bringing his tally of international appearances to 93.

The squad also features the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane, who will be expected to play pivotal roles in England’s quest for World Cup qualification.

England’s World Cup qualifying campaign kicks off with a double-header at Wembley, where they will face Albania and Latvia later this month. The selection of Lewis-Skelly and Burn, along with the recall of Henderson, signals Tuchel’s intent to blend youth and experience as he aims to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

As the footballing world eagerly awaits the start of England’s new era under Tuchel, one thing is clear: the journey to the 2026 World Cup promises to be an exciting and unpredictable ride.