Rashford and Henderson named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad: football – live
Key events
Premier League: While it may have to settle for second billing behind Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, the Premier League carries on regardless. Our crack team of writers have flagged up 10 things to keep an eye out for this weekend …
Eddie Howe: “It’s an incredible moment for Dan”
Newcastle United: Before taking questions about Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, Eddie Howe was asked about his defender Dan Burn’s first England call-up at the ripe old age of 32.
“It’s an incredible moment for Dan,” he said. “I have to say there is no one more deserving in my opinion. Starting to work with Dan when we did, came in during our relegation battle. Just such an inspiring guy but also a very talented player.
“I think it is a great story really, one of the great football stories, one of the great comebacks. Someone who had to do it the real hard way, coming through the leagues. Dedicated, professional, a leader, a real man, an inspirational figure.”
Rashford and Henderson return to England fold
Thomas Tuchel has named Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson in his first England squad, while uncapped defenders Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also been called up. Our chief football correspondent David Hytner reports …
Thomas Tuchel’s England squad: There are a few conspicuous absentees from Tuchel’s maiden England squad, with the names Ollie Watkins, Jack Grealish, Nick Pope, Ethan Nwaneri, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White, Conor Gallagher, Harry Maguire and Jarrad Brantwaithe leaping to mind.
It’s worth noting that Watkins came off at half-time during Villa’s win over Club Brugge on Wednesday night and his injury almost certainly accounts for his absence. Tuchel will be explaining himself when he faces the press at 11am (GMT) but in the meantime, feel free to get in touch with your thoughts on his squad via email.
Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford.
Defenders: Marc Guehi, Reece James, Levi Colwill, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah, Dan Burn, Kyle Walker, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers
Forwards: Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Dominic Solanke, Harry Kane
Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad
The main headlines: There are call-ups for Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kyle Walker (AC Milan), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal) and Tino Livramento (Newcastle). Tuchel has also picked four goalkeepers.
Rashford expected to be in England squad
Thomas Tuchel will be announcing his first England squad shortly and the big news is that Marcus Rashford is expected to be included after a 12-month absence.
With the England camp leakier than the roof of an Old Trafford stand, various reports suggest there may also be call-ups for Rashford’s Villa teammate Morgan Rogers and the young Arsenal winger Ethan Nwaneri. Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish and teenage Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly are expected to miss out.
Chelsea 1-0 Copenhagen (agg: 3-1)
Europa Conference League: A quarter-final against Legia Warsaw awaits Chelsea, who were far from their best but just about prevailed on a muted night at Stamford Bridge. Jacob Steinberg reports …
Rangers 0-2 Fenerbahce (agg: 3-3)
Rangers win 3-2 on penalties
Europa League: Jack Butland saved two penalties in the shoot-out to help send José Mourinho’s side packing and earn Rangers a quarter-final tie against Athletic Bilbao. Nick Ames was at Ibrox for an evening of high drama
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 AZ (agg: 3-2)
Europa League: Ange Postecoglou had been hoping that someone would step up to save Spurs’ season and his salvation arrived in the shape of Wilson Odobert, with a little bit of help from James Maddison, writes Ed Aarons from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Man United 4-1 Real Sociedad (agg: 5-2)
Europa League: Manchester United kept their trophy hopes alive with a swaggering display that battered Real Sociedad and must be the Ruben Amorim blueprint, reports Jamie Jackson from Old Trafford.
Before we get to the nitty gritty of the football news, this from Ben Fisher is a must-read: a very raw and emotional interview with Bristol City head coach Liam Manning.
Preamble
Hello and happy Friday all! We’re approaching another big weekend in the domestic football calendar – the final one before the March international break and one that includes two cup finals, with the Women’s League Cup and Carabao Cup showpieces taking place.
After a fairly successful showing from British clubs in Europe (Liverpool aside) attention quickly turns back to league action for most sides. Arne Slot’s side, of course, have the chance to lift their first silverware of the post-Jürgen Klopp era when they take on Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday. The first half of a domestic double for the Dutchman?
New England head honcho Thomas Tuchel is also set to reveal his first ever squad ahead of the Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Albania and Latvia next week. It will be fascinating to see who the German names in that.
It should be a busy old day. Stick with our team of writers for all the latest news, views, analysis and more. You can, as always, drop us an email to stay part of the conversation.
