Thomas Tuchel has made his thoughts clear on Trent Alexander-Arnold after the England snub. Alexander-Arnold's hopes of joining England's World Cup squad are now completely over.
Another England Snub for Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has suffered another England snub, leaving his England future precarious under Thomas Tuchel. Having been left out of Tuchel's 26-man squad, a last-minute World Cup call-up seemed possible when Tino Livramento suffered a tournament-ending calf injury. However, instead of drafting in the experienced Real Madrid full-back, Tuchel called on central defender Trevoh Chalobah, who was on standby.
Tuchel Explains Decision
Tuchel explained: "We called Trevoh Chalobah because then we free up Jarell Quansah as full-back on both sides and Djed Spence can play both sides as full-back, so Trevoh comes as a centre back alternative and gives us full coverage in the back four." It was another blow in what has been a forgettable 12 months for the 27-year-old, who endured a tough first season in Madrid following his move from Liverpool.
Lukewarm Praise from Tuchel
Tuchel has offered lukewarm praise of the player while explaining why he hasn't fitted into his plans. Speaking after leaving him out of March friendlies, Tuchel said: "I think it's a very hard decision that we took. No doubt about his talent, no doubt about his career and what he can give to teams. We created a slightly different game model when he was not in camp in September, October, November [because of injury]. It was a game model built on intensity, built on positivity, built even in the profile of the right full-back on overlaps on underlaps, very intense. So it was a slightly different profile of players who were with us in camp and who performed so well. It is a very hard decision."
Defensive Concerns
On Alexander-Arnold's reaction to being left out, Tuchel said: "We had a call. I tried to explain the situation but Trent just has to accept it. I know that it creates noise when you leave a player like Trent out. It's a sportive choice and a difficult choice. Maybe it's unfair to a certain degree but these choices have to be made." It's clear Tuchel has concerns over Alexander-Arnold's defensive capabilities. In August, after leaving him out of qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, he said: "If he wants to have this impact in the English national team, then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously. Because when we are talking, especially about qualifying football, and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100 per cent awake, can be decisive. It can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home."
Logistical Reasons for Chalobah
There were also logistical reasons for Chalobah getting the nod, as the Chelsea defender was already in the United States. Teams have until 24 hours before their opening match to call up an injury replacement. According to Sky Sports, FA chiefs were unaware of Alexander-Arnold's whereabouts, raising concerns about whether he would reach the team's Kansas City training camp in time. It appears he faces an even longer route back to the England team while Tuchel is in charge.
