England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed he is preparing to offer Trent Alexander-Arnold a crucial World Cup lifeline through a series of personal communications. Tuchel confirmed he intends to make video calls and even personal visits to players on the fringes of his squad, with the Real Madrid right-back being a prominent name on his list.
Personal Touch for Fringe Players
Tuchel admitted that Jarell Quansah is currently ahead of Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order for the right-back position. The England boss plans to speak directly with players to explain why they were not selected and what they need to do to force their way into his plans for next summer's tournament in North America.
Alexander-Arnold, 27, has been omitted from England's last three squads and has not received a call-up since his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid. It appears that Chelsea captain Reece James is the current favourite to start the World Cup at right-back.
FaceTime Over Phone Calls
Tuchel elaborated on his communication strategy, stating his preference for FaceTime over traditional phone calls. "I hate phone calls. Better on FaceTime. Then I see the expression, at least, and get a feeling for the person," the England manager explained. "Or I need to visit them, visit training, training grounds."
As part of this initiative, Tuchel plans to fly to Madrid to see both Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham, ensuring every player feels involved in the England setup. He questioned why anyone would be surprised by such visits, asking rhetorically, "Why would I not? We can do group visits. We can do Jude and Trent."
Quansah's Rise and Alexander-Arnold's Challenge
The situation presents a significant challenge for Alexander-Arnold, who never fully secured a consistent place under previous manager Gareth Southgate. His absence from recent camps indicates he has substantial work to do to convince Tuchel of his international merits.
In contrast, Jarell Quansah has strengthened his claim with a impressive performance against Albania. Tuchel expressed significant trust in the Leverkusen defender, praising his all-around abilities. "I see his talent but I see the package. He is tall, he is fast, he is strong in build-up. He is strong in the air," Tuchel said. "He plays every minute for Leverkusen since the under-21 Euros. So he is at the moment a tiny bit ahead."
Tuchel first compiled his long list of 55-60 players before naming his most recent squad. Other players likely on this list include Ivan Toney, Mason Mount, and Brighton duo Danny Welbeck and Jack Hinshelwood, though time is running out for them to make their case.
The England manager emphasised the importance of this outreach, stating it's his job to "reach out to everyone, even to the guys we didn't pick so regularly to tell them where they are and give them honest feedback." This personalised approach could prove decisive for Alexander-Arnold's hopes of featuring in the 2026 World Cup.
