After a year away, Marcus Rashford is back in the England squad, earning his first cap since his absence, while Myles Lewis-Skelly prepares to make his debut. Thomas Tuchel will lead the team for the first time as England face Albania in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley
Marcus Rashford, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Dan Burn were all given starting spots in Thomas Tuchel’s debut England lineup for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania.
Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United, earns his first England cap in a year. The 27-year-old winger last featured for the Three Lions in March 2024 during their match against Brazil.
Arsenal left-back Lewis-Skelly is handed his first England start after receiving his initial call-up to the national team. Burn, making his debut in the England squad, also starts at Wembley just five days after playing a pivotal role in Newcastle’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool, scoring the goal that ended the club’s 70-year wait for domestic silverware at the same venue.
Curtis Jones, who featured in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, makes his third consecutive appearance for England, having impressed in his previous outings, including scoring in one of his two appearances during the November international break.
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker, on loan at AC Milan from Manchester City, starts at right-back, earning his 94th England cap.
Morgan Rogers, called up to the squad as a replacement for the injured Cole Palmer, takes his place on the bench, alongside Jordan Henderson, who made an unexpected return to the international fold.
England’s lineup for the match against Albania features: Jordan Pickford in goal, with Kyle Walker, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Myles Lewis-Skelly forming the defensive quartet. In midfield, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Curtis Jones take their positions, while Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Kane lead the attack.
The substitutes for England’s match against Albania include: Dean Henderson, James Trafford, Reece James, Marc Guehi, Jordan Henderson, Levi Colwill, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Dominic Solanke, Jarrod Bowen, and Tino Livramento.
