Harry Maguire has suggested that Thomas Tuchel's decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold from England's World Cup 2026 squad was a move to prevent unnecessary disruption. The German head coach called up Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah after right-back Tino Livramento withdrew due to a calf injury.
Alexander-Arnold's Continued Exclusion
The former Liverpool defender, now at Real Madrid, has been overlooked for England duty once again. The 27-year-old has earned 34 caps for the Three Lions, but his only appearance under Tuchel came in a 1-0 victory over Andorra in June 2025. Fitness issues had limited his availability, but he returned to Real Madrid's squad for the second half of the season to press his case for a place in North America.
Maguire's Perspective
Maguire, himself omitted from the squad, spoke on the Rest is Football podcast. He said: 'When someone drops out like that, I do believe with the squad, you want to call up somebody with a minimum of fuss, no real media attention or disruption to the camp. I don't think Trent would've ever been called up because the questions and everything will be about him.'
Maguire added: 'If he called me up, the questions would be about me, Luke Shaw the same. That's what you want when you bring someone up on standby.'
Tuchel's Justification
Tuchel has faced questions over excluding a player many consider one of England's most talented creative outlets. He explained: 'We called Trevoh Chalobah because then we free up Jarell Quansah as full-back on both sides and Djed Spence can play both sides as full-back. Trevoh comes as a centre back alternative and gives us full coverage in the back four.'
The head coach insisted the decision was purely sporting, despite lingering claims of a personal grudge. He said: 'We had a call. I tried to explain the situation but Trent just has to accept it. I know that it creates noise when you leave a player like Trent out. It's a sportive choice and a difficult choice. Maybe it's unfair to a certain degree but these choices have to be made.'
England's World Cup Campaign
England begin their tournament against Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final. After defeats in the last two European Championship finals, attention turns to whether Tuchel can lead England to their first major trophy in 60 years. The squad selection has drawn scrutiny, with high-profile absentees including Alexander-Arnold and Maguire.
