England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed he plans to make personal contact with several high-profile players who were left out of his recent squads, including Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Personal Calls for Omitted Stars
The new Three Lions boss stated his intention to personally explain his selection decisions to those overlooked, outlining exactly what they need to do to force their way into his plans for the upcoming World Cup. This comes after Alexander-Arnold's continued absence from the national team setup, a decision that has sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike.
Tuchel specifically named the right-back as one of the players he will be contacting, signalling that the door is not permanently closed on the defender's international career.
Quansah 'A Tiny Bit Ahead' in Pecking Order
In a revealing insight into his current thinking, Tuchel explained that Alexander-Arnold's former Liverpool teammate, Jarell Quansah, is now marginally ahead in the defensive pecking order. Both players left Anfield during the summer transfer window, but it is Quansah who has seemingly made a stronger immediate impression on the national team coach.
The German coach described Quansah's current standing as "a tiny bit ahead" of Alexander-Arnold, highlighting the intense competition for places within the England setup.
A Settled Squad After Perfect Qualification
Tuchel's selection headaches come on the back of a flawless Euro 2024 qualification campaign. England concluded their Group K matches on Sunday with a perfect record, winning all eight of their matches without conceding a single goal.
The manager admitted he has developed a strong attachment to the current group of players who achieved this remarkable feat. He acknowledged that it will be challenging for new players to break into what is now a tightly-knit and successful squad, but emphasised that performance and commitment remain the ultimate factors in his decisions.
With the communication lines now set to be opened with omitted players like Alexander-Arnold, the battle for a place in Tuchel's World Cup plans has officially begun.
