England head coach Thomas Tuchel is embarking on a personal mission to meet with players omitted from his latest squad, with a specific trip planned to see Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold. The manager aims to provide clear feedback on how they can force their way into his plans for the next World Cup.
One-on-One Feedback for World Cup Hopefuls
Tuchel revealed he has a massive longlist of 55 to 60 players in contention for England duty. While Alexander-Arnold is a high-profile name on that list, the right-back faces a significant challenge to reclaim his place. His last call-up was in June, and he played a minimal role during England's flawless qualifying campaign for the upcoming tournament.
The competition has intensified with the emergence of Jarell Quansah. The Bayer Leverkusen defender made his senior debut in England's 2-0 victory against Albania last Sunday, impressing Tuchel with his immediate impact.
Quansah Emerges as New Defensive Contender
Explaining his selection, Tuchel expressed strong belief in Quansah's abilities. "I have a lot of trust in Jarell," Tuchel stated. "I see his talent but I see the package. He is tall, he is fast, he is strong in buildup, he is strong in the air." The coach also highlighted that Quansah, who has featured for Liverpool this season, has been playing regularly for his club since the Under-21 European Championships, giving him a slight edge for now.
With a squad of just 25 named for the recent qualifiers, Tuchel now has the unenviable task of contacting over 30 players who did not make the cut. He anticipates numerous conversations before England's next gathering in March, where they will play friendlies, potentially against Japan and Uruguay, to fine-tune their World Cup preparations.
Face-to-Face Visits Preferred Over Phone Calls
Tuchel outlined his unique, hands-on approach to player communication, showing a distinct preference for personal contact over remote discussions. "I hate phone calls," he admitted. "Better on FaceTime. Then I see the expression, at least, and get a feeling for the person. Or I need to visit them, visit training, training grounds."
When questioned about the practicality of travelling to see Alexander-Arnold, who plays for Real Madrid, Tuchel was undeterred. "Why would I not?" he responded. He suggested that a trip to Spain would also allow him to check in on fellow England star Jude Bellingham, humorously proposing "group visits" to maximise efficiency.
Thomas Tuchel is clearly committed to leaving no stone unturned as he builds his squad, ensuring every player on his extensive radar knows exactly where they stand and what is required to pull on the England shirt.
