Thomas Tuchel has yet to contact Trent Alexander-Arnold after omitting the Real Madrid defender from England’s World Cup squad, despite injuries to other right-backs. Alexander-Arnold, a triple Champions League finalist and double Premier League winner, now appears to be at most seventh-choice in his position under the German manager.
The Liverpool-born player was overlooked even when Tino Livramento was ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury. Instead, Trevoh Chalobah was called up, with Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence and Reece James also ahead of Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order. Had Chalobah been unavailable, James Garner might have been preferred.
Tuchel’s reluctance to select Alexander-Arnold extends beyond logic, as the 27-year-old’s defensive vulnerabilities appear to outweigh his creative strengths. The England boss has favoured centre-backs who can fill in at right-back, including Konsa, Quansah and Chalobah, over the specialist full-back.
Alexander-Arnold, who has only 34 caps in eight years, was arguably England’s best player during Lee Carsley’s interim reign. However, his international career has not fulfilled its potential, and he now faces a World Cup on home soil as a spectator.
The defender’s ability to play passes only a handful of players can execute may be missed, especially if James suffers injury or if Bukayo Saka’s fitness issues persist. Tuchel’s decision raises questions about whether England can afford to ignore such a talent.
