Thomas Tuchel chose not to include Trent Alexander-Arnold in his 26-man World Cup squad, barring him from participating in the tournament, including England's round of 16 clash with Mexico. The decision has sparked debate given England's injury crisis at right-back.
Defensive Reliability and Tactical Fit
Lingering doubts about Alexander-Arnold's positioning and defensive discipline weighed heavily on Tuchel's mind. Despite the right-back's elite vision and passing ability, the manager prioritised defensive-minded full-backs. The current tactical system requires players who can precisely execute specific instructions, a framework that does not easily accommodate Alexander-Arnold's unique playmaking traits.
Gareth Southgate's experiment of deploying Alexander-Arnold as a central midfielder during Euro 2024 was heavily criticised and has since been abandoned. With standard midfield roles filled by natural specialists, his alternative route into the squad was effectively blocked.
Struggles at Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold's move from Liverpool to Real Madrid last summer proved a tough adjustment. Settling into a new culture, language, and style of play led to an inconsistent club campaign. His attacking returns, once celebrated for incredible assist tallies at Anfield, took a massive hit during his debut year in Spain. This decline in offensive threat played a role in his exclusion, as the international setup prioritises in-form players.
Intense Competition and Recent Omission
The right-back spot is fiercely contested. Tuchel originally selected Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Djed Spence, viewing them as safer tactical fits. Even when Livramento pulled out injured before the tournament, Tuchel stood firm, choosing Trevoh Chalobah and using Jarell Quansah at right-back instead of drafting in Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold had not featured for England since a brief 26-minute appearance against Andorra in June 2025, leaving him detached from the team's tactical progression.
Conclusion
Alexander-Arnold's omission stems from a combination of defensive concerns, tactical mismatch, a dip in form at Real Madrid, and intense competition. Tuchel's decision underscores his preference for defensive reliability and system fit over attacking flair.
