The selection of Henderson and the return of Rashford demonstrates that Tuchel is prepared to start with a clean slate.
Henderson’s call-up came out of the blue after it looked like his England career was over when he, like Rashford, was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
The former Liverpool captain had an ill-fated stint in Saudi Arabia before returning to Europe with Ajax, where Tuchel has clearly seen enough to recall him.
Tuchel appears to want Henderson as much for his influence off the pitch, saying: «What he brings every time is leadership, character, personality and energy. He makes sure everyone lives by the standards and with character. He embodies everything we are trying to build.»
England’s head coach has long been a fan of Rashford and wants to be the beneficiary of Aston Villa manager Unai Emery’s repair job on the forward’s career.
He said: «I had a strong feeling we should nominate him, to push him to stay at the level he is at now not fall back into old routines.»
Tuchel’s words offer an indication that he realises Rashford had fallen by the wayside at Old Trafford but is also convinced the 27-year-old can offer much to his new England.
He clearly does not feel the same about Manchester City’s Jack Grealish. He would have been hoping to make a comeback after also missing out on Euro 2024, although he has not figured regularly under manager Pep Guardiola.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison is another who is, for now at least, consigned to the margins,
Tuchel goes with what he knows by recalling Chelsea’s Reece James as he makes his return from another hamstring injury.
He was a key member of Tuchel’s side that won the Champions League in 2021 and there is a potential opening at right-back with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold injured, Kyle Walker, 34, and on loan at AC Milan, and with Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento talented but inexperienced.
