Thomas Tuchel includes Marcus Rashford in England’s 26-man World Cup squad

Thomas Tuchel included Marcus Rashford in England’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, ending weeks of speculation over the forward’s place in the final list. FIFA’s squad announcement and Sky Sports’ coverage both listed Rashford among the forwards selected for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States. (fifa.com) The decision puts Rashford in Tuchel’s final group for England’s first World Cup under the German coach. (fifa.com) Sky Sports said the squad also featured Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Kobbie Mainoo, Jarell Quansah and John Stones, while several established names were omitted. (skysports.com) ### Where was Rashford named in the squad? FIFA said on May 22 that Tuchel had named a 26-man England squad and included Rashford among the forwards traveling to North America. The governing body’s report highlighted Toney and Watkins, but confirmed the list was Tuchel’s final World Cup party. (fifa.com) Sky Sports also reported on May 22 that Rashford was in the squad. The broadcaster’s coverage matched the social-media post cited in the original report and placed Rashford among Tuchel’s attacking options for the tournament. ### Who else made it in attack? (skysports.com) Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins were the two forwards singled out by FIFA in its report on the squad announcement. FIFA said Toney had been rewarded for his form with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, while Watkins was also named in the 26-man group. Sky Sports’ reporting showed Rashford joining that attacking unit as Tuchel finalized his options before the tournament. (fifa.com) The same report said Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze were among the notable inclusions elsewhere in the squad. ### Which big names were left out? (skysports.com) Sky Sports said Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire were among the most prominent omissions from Tuchel’s squad. The broadcaster described Toney’s return as a surprise recall and said the exclusions were among the headline decisions from Friday’s announcement. (fifa.com) Tuchel defended the makeup of the squad after the announcement, according to Sky Sports, saying his selections were “specialist” choices and speaking about building a “brotherhood” for the tournament. (skysports.com) ### How does Rashford fit into Tuchel’s England plans? Marcus Rashford had already returned to Tuchel’s England thinking earlier in the year. FIFA wrote in a March analysis of Tuchel’s first England squad that Rashford had been recalled alongside Reece James and Jordan Henderson. The FA’s player profile says Rashford “hasn’t been far away” from the England squad in recent years and describes him as a direct forward with explosive finishing. (skysports.com) That profile does not address Friday’s selection directly, but it reflects the long-standing role he has played in England’s senior setup. ### What happens next for England? Sky Sports said England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17. (skysports.com) The same outlet framed the squad announcement as the final major selection step before Tuchel takes the team into the tournament. The 2026 World Cup will be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and FIFA said Tuchel’s 26-man group is the party that will represent England there. (fifa.com 1) (fifa.com 2) (skysports.com) (thefa.com)