8 hours ago
3
Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson has been recalled to the England side because he "embodies everything we try to build", says new manager Thomas Tuchel.
The German named Henderson in his first England squad for World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia on Friday, 21 and Monday, 24 March respectively (both 19:45 GMT kick-offs).
Henderson, 34, has won 81 caps but last featured for the Three Lions in November 2023.
"Jordan is a serial winner," Tuchel said.
"He's captain of Ajax. What he brings to every team is leadership, character, energy and personality.
"He makes sure everyone lives by the standards. He embodies everything we try to build. We want to build a team our fans are proud of."
Tuchel, speaking at a news conference after announcing his 26-man squad, was asked about Henderson's reaction when he rang the former Liverpool player and said "Hi, it's Thomas Tuchel".
"Hi, I'm Jordan," was Tuchel's response.
The England coach added: "We had this phone call a few weeks ago where I wanted to check in, introduce myself and see how he feels about this idea and if he was ready. It was a video call because at least you can see reactions.
"He appreciated it. I didn't call him with an unknown number, I texted him before. For me, it was so nice to see his genuine reaction. He is a serial winner with over 80 caps and just the pure joy and how humble he was to take this decision. It was very impressive."
The Football Association appointed Tuchel as Gareth Southgate's successor with the brief of trying to deliver a first piece of silverware since the 1966 World Cup.
Southgate went close during his eight-year tenure, reaching the final at Euro 2020 and 2024, while guiding England to the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup and quarter-finals in 2022.
Tuchel has no previous experience at international level but is a high-achiever at club level, winning 11 major trophies including the Champions League during his time at Chelsea.
The 51-year-old also led Paris St-Germain to successive Ligue 1 titles and won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.
Tuchel, who officially started in his post on 1 January, signed an 18-month deal with the FA, which runs until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
"Not a lot is missing. It's missing a little bit because now we are consecutive in semis and finals. It's just a little step to bring it over the line," Tuchel said.
"If we want to be prepared to be in the next final and make the last step we need to do it now in the first camp. This journey starts with the first camp.
"We only have six camps, 60 days. Hopefully the last step takes care of itself."
Southgate's time in charge of England was mired by criticism of his playing style with pundits and fans suggesting he was too possession-based and negative.
Tuchel will begin drilling his philosophy into the players during their first training session on Monday and intends to harness their strengths by "reflecting the Premier League".
"I bring my devotion and emotion and joy and passion for football. I hope the players will feel my love for where I am and what I do," he added.
"The style has to suit the players and the league they play in.
It needs to reflect the Premier League. It's a physical, demanding and direct league. We should be brave enough to play like an England squad and not copy other nations."
Marcus Rashford is also back in the squad for the first time in a year, having last taken to the field wearing an England shirt during the 1-0 defeat by Brazil on 23 March, 2023.
The 27-year-old lost his place under Southgate because of poor form and then a lack of gametime at Manchester United.
Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan in January and an upturn in form, despite starting just four of his nine appearances, has opened the door to tie down a regular spot under Tuchel.
Rashford's work rate at Villa was praised by Tuchel, who also highlighted the forward's "physical impact".
"He had a huge impact at Aston Villa, he made a huge impact from the bench mostly and the impact was impressive," Tuchel said.
"I had a strong feeling that we should nominate him and bring him in to push him to stay at that level and not fall back to old routines. This camp is to bond with him and push him to stay on that level."
