England Squad: Ivan Toney Recalled, Alexander-Arnold & Palmer Included, Rashford Misses Out
As England gear up for another round of international fixtures, the latest squad announcement from manager Thomas Tuchel has delivered its fair share of talking points.
From Ivan Toney’s return to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inclusion, and Marcus Rashford’s absence, this selection blends youth, experience, and a few surprises that have certainly stirred conversation.
Thomas Tuchel England 2025
A Mix of Familiar Faces and Fresh Opportunities
England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Andorra (June 7) and a friendly clash with Senegal (June 10) at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground reflects a careful balancing act. With qualification already underway and international form being scrutinised ahead of next summer’s Euros, Tuchel has opted to test a range of options.
And it’s not just about performance — fitness, transfers, and even international experience all seem to have played a role in shaping this latest roster.
Ivan Toney: From Saudi Switch to England Return
Perhaps the biggest headline is the reintroduction of Ivan Toney. The 29-year-old striker, who made a high-profile move from Brentford to Saudi club Al-Ahli earlier this year, was left out of Tuchel’s first squad amid questions over his sharpness and visibility in a less competitive league.
But form, they say, speaks louder than geography. Toney has found the net regularly in the Saudi Pro League and appears to have convinced the England boss that he still has something to offer on the international stage. With six caps to his name, he’ll now be competing for minutes alongside captain Harry Kane and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Kane, fresh from winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, remains the undisputed leader of the attack. But Toney brings a unique mix of physicality, link-up play, and penalty prowess that could give England more tactical flexibility up front.
Trent Alexander-Arnold & Cole Palmer Included
Another eye-catching inclusion is Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool right-back whose England role has always sparked debate. His creative passing and playmaking qualities are unmatched, but his defensive discipline has often been scrutinised.
This time, though, Tuchel clearly sees value in Alexander-Arnold’s skill set — and with reports suggesting a summer switch to Real Madrid is on the horizon, the England camp may be his last appearance in red for some time.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer’s return after injury adds another injection of creativity. The Chelsea playmaker, one of the few bright spots in a turbulent season for the Blues, has been rewarded for his club form and is expected to slot into a competitive midfield unit. Alongside Palmer, Bukayo Saka returns to the fold, having shaken off injury troubles of his own.
England Squad in Full
Let’s take a look at the full 26-man squad:
Goalkeepers
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Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
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Jordan Pickford (Everton)
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James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders
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Dan Burn (Newcastle United)
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Levi Colwill (Chelsea)
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Reece James (Chelsea)
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Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
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Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
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Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Manchester City)
Midfielders
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Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
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Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid)
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Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
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Jordan Henderson (Ajax)
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Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
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Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
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Declan Rice (Arsenal)
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Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards
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Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
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Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
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Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
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Noni Madueke (Chelsea)
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Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
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Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli)
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Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Jordan Henderson Holds On, Rashford Left Out
Jordan Henderson may no longer be patrolling Premier League midfields, but the former Liverpool captain continues to earn Tuchel’s trust. Now plying his trade at Ajax, Henderson brings leadership and a calm presence that is still valued — even if his club side has had a tough year in the Eredivisie.
On the flip side, Marcus Rashford’s omission is significant. Despite a promising start on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United, the pacey forward is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. While he’s expected to return to fitness soon, his absence opens the door for other wide attackers like Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke to stake their claim.
Tuchel is clearly taking this opportunity to experiment — and while Rashford will be missed, it’s a testament to the depth England now possess in forward areas.
No Manchester United Players Again
In what’s becoming a trend, no Manchester United players have been selected. With Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw both struggling for form and fitness, and others like Kobbie Mainoo or Jadon Sancho not yet fully in the fold, United fans may feel somewhat left behind.
It’s a far cry from previous England squads dominated by Old Trafford names. But with form and availability dictating selection more than ever, reputations alone are no longer enough to secure a place.
Trevoh Chalobah’s Big Break
One of the more heartening stories in this squad is the call-up of Trevoh Chalobah, who has worked his way into Chelsea’s first team and now receives his maiden senior England invitation.
Capable of playing both centre-back and holding midfield, Chalobah’s versatility may give him an edge. His defensive composure and athleticism could be just what Tuchel is looking for in a modern defender. If he impresses in training, a debut may well be on the cards against Andorra or Senegal.
What’s Next for the Three Lions?
England’s match against Andorra is the more competitive of the two, as it forms part of their World Cup qualification campaign. With early victories already under their belt against Albania and Latvia, Tuchel’s men will be looking to build momentum and secure early passage.
The friendly against Senegal offers a different kind of test — physical, fast-paced, and tactically unique. It’s the sort of game that can provide answers about fringe players, and perhaps a glimpse into how England might fare against non-European opposition in future tournaments.
Final Thoughts: Depth, Development, and Decisions
With a little over a year to go before the next European Championships, Tuchel has time — but not too much — to fine-tune his England squad. This latest selection shows that he’s not afraid to make bold calls. Whether it’s recalling players from Saudi Arabia, leaving out Manchester United stalwarts, or placing faith in uncapped youngsters, the message is clear: form and fit come first.
Ivan Toney, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka headline this diverse and dynamic group, while the absence of Marcus Rashford reminds us how competitive this England setup truly is.
June’s fixtures are just the next step in what promises to be a fascinating journey toward 2026. And if this squad is anything to go by, England fans have every reason to be excited.
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