Alan Shearer has urged Thomas Tuchel to include Trent Alexander-Arnold in England's World Cup squad, insisting the Real Madrid defender's quality in possession could prove decisive in games where opponents sit deep against the Three Lions.
Tuchel named his provisional 55-man squad earlier this week ahead of Friday's deadline for FIFA's final 26-man selection, with debate continuing over England's options at right-back and across the backline as a whole.
Speaking at the launch of Betfair's World Cup campaign 'Everyone's got an opinion, back yours at Betfair', Shearer made it clear Alexander-Arnold must be on the plane this summer, even if he is not guaranteed a starting place.
'I would always find a place in my squad for Trent Alexander-Arnold, maybe not necessarily starting, but if England are going to be chasing the game at some stage to have that little bit of quality of a pass or a cross, I would without doubt have Trent in my squad and Thomas Tuchel should select him for the World Cup this summer,' Shearer told Daily Mail Sport.
He went on to add: 'I just think, particularly in earlier stages, that we may play against teams who are going to be defensively minded and not come out and play against England. I just think at times we will need that killer pass or that killer cross, and I think Trent Alexander-Arnold, without doubt, can deliver that. So that's why I would have him in the team.'
Alexander-Arnold's Form and Fitness
Alexander-Arnold's debut season at Real Madrid has reinforced his status as a premier creator, with seven assists and 29 big chances created, alongside improved durability in 33 club matches. His 85 per cent passing accuracy and fitness make him a reliable option for breaking down low-block defences.
However, Tuchel is said to prefer the defensive 'solidity' of Reece James. James has also registered six goal involvements for Chelsea despite playing a modified role. Consistent hamstring and hip issues resulting in 12 missed matches raise significant concerns regarding his fitness for a tournament schedule.
Asked whether James can be relied upon physically throughout a major tournament, Shearer admitted there are lingering doubts because of the defender's injury history. 'The honest answer is, I don't know if we can rely on him,' Shearer said. 'I guess that's what you have to weigh up with the risks that you take with the players that you have in that position. He has had injuries, there's no doubt and no getting away from that, but I guess whoever's going win this World Cup will need a little bit of luck in terms of right decisions and getting through with the least amount of injuries as possible.'
Nico O'Reilly Emerges as Contender
Elsewhere, Shearer also backed the emergence of Nico O'Reilly after an impressive campaign at Manchester City, claiming the youngster has played his way into genuine England contention. The 21-year-old has emerged as a versatile 'wildcard' option after contributing nine goals and six assists for Manchester City while successfully adapting to a hybrid left-back role.
'He's had a brilliant season. He would be in my team of the season, that's how good he's been, and he's put himself in a brilliant position to start for England,' Shearer said. 'You've got people like Myles Lewis-Skelly too but he's up against competition with Nico O'Reilly, with Lewis Hall. He has been brought back into the Arsenal team, but it's been in a more of a midfield position as well. So that would be something to look out for. My guess would be, is that perhaps maybe O'Reilly and Lewis Hall will be selected.'
