Trent Alexander-Arnold's prospects of representing England under Thomas Tuchel are increasingly dim. The Real Madrid full-back was left out of the 26-man squad and was overlooked as a replacement for the injured Tino Livramento, with Tuchel instead calling up central defender Trevoh Chalobah.
Tuchel Explains His Decision
Tuchel explained his choice: "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, so Trevoh comes as a centre back alternative and gives us full coverage in the back four."
This marks another setback for the 27-year-old, who endured a difficult debut season in Madrid after leaving Liverpool.
Defensive Concerns Raised
Tuchel has repeatedly been questioned about omitting Alexander-Arnold. He offered measured praise while outlining his reasoning. Speaking after the March friendlies, Tuchel said: "I think it's a very hard decision that we took. No doubt about his talent, no doubt about his career and what he can give to teams. We created a slightly different game model when he was not in camp in September, October, November [because of injury]. It was a game model built on intensity, built on positivity, built even in the profile of the right full-back on overlaps on underlaps, very intense. So it was a slightly different profile of players who were with us in camp and who performed so well. It is a very hard decision."
Addressing Alexander-Arnold's reaction, Tuchel 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."
Tuchel also harbours reservations over Alexander-Arnold's defensive abilities. Back in August, he said: "If he wants to have this impact in the English national team, then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously. Because when we are talking, especially about qualifying football, and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100 per cent awake, can be decisive. It can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home."
Practical Factors
Practical considerations also played a part in Chalobah receiving the call-up, given that the Chelsea defender was already on American soil. Squads are permitted to draft in an injury replacement up until 24 hours before their opening fixture. Sky Sports reports that FA officials had no knowledge of Alexander-Arnold's whereabouts, prompting doubts over whether he could make it to the squad's Kansas City training base in time.
It appears Alexander-Arnold's path back into the England set-up under Tuchel's stewardship will be a lengthy one.
