Tuchel Leaves Trent Alexander-Arnold Out of England’s World Cup Plans
Thomas Tuchel has left Trent Alexander-Arnold outside his plans for England’s 2026 World Cup squad, despite the Real Madrid full-back forcing his way back into recent international action.
The 27-year-old started England’s 2-0 UEFA Nations League victory over Czechia in Prague, then returned to the bench for the 7-0 win against Croatia. He could receive further minutes when Czechia visit Wembley on Tuesday, but Tuchel has made clear that every call-up must be earned in training and matches.
Quick facts
- Alexander-Arnold has won 35 England caps across eight years.
- Tuchel has not included him in his current 2026 World Cup thinking.
- He started the 2-0 Nations League win in Prague against Czechia.
- England then beat Croatia 7-0 with Alexander-Arnold among the substitutes.
- Reece James, Tino Livramento and Djed Spence are competing for the right-back places.
Alexander-Arnold has long divided opinion at international level. His attacking output, passing range and delivery helped Liverpool win both the Premier League and Champions League, but questions over his defending have repeatedly limited his England opportunities.
The debate has followed him from Anfield to Spain. He has generally played for possession-heavy, attack-minded sides, leaving critics to question how he copes when opponents push him back towards his own goal.
Former Everton and England defender Alan Stubbs believes England should instead build around Alexander-Arnold’s strongest traits. Stubbs said the defender’s attacking contribution is greater than the perceived defensive risk and insisted he is not a poor defender, only less outstanding defensively than he is with the ball.
Stubbs added that finding the balance is the manager’s responsibility, arguing that England look less effective when Alexander-Arnold is absent.
Alexander-Arnold has not publicly protested his changing England status. His response has been to concentrate on club form, and he has impressed under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid after a difficult first season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Former England and Liverpool forward Emile Heskey praised that approach, saying Alexander-Arnold has kept working rather than complaining. Heskey compared it to his own spell of several years outside the international set-up, when he believed sustained club performances would eventually bring another chance.
What happens next is another selection test at Wembley. Alexander-Arnold has a route back into Tuchel’s plans, but England’s right-back competition remains crowded and James, Livramento and Spence will all expect their own opportunity.
