Trent Alexander-Arnold’s England future has come under fresh scrutiny after Thomas Tuchel overlooked the Real Madrid star once again despite being forced into a late World Cup squad change.
The England manager was required to call up a replacement after Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento suffered a calf injury in training and was ruled out of the tournament before the Three Lions’ opening match against Croatia.
Many supporters expected Tuchel to turn to Alexander-Arnold, who was one of the most surprising omissions from England’s original World Cup squad.
Instead, the German coach opted to hand Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah a shock call-up, a decision that has reignited debate about Alexander-Arnold’s standing within the national team setup.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the move sends a clear message.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher admitted he was not surprised Tuchel had once again passed over Alexander-Arnold despite the defender’s proven quality at the highest level.
“We know Thomas Tuchel’s stance regarding Trent,” Carragher said.
The former England international suggested Tuchel’s squad selections reveal a preference for defenders who prioritise defensive solidity and tactical discipline rather than attacking creativity.
“When you look at some of the players in the squad, it looks as though he’s picking centre-backs who can do a job at right-back rather than out-and-out right-backs,” Carragher explained.
For Alexander-Arnold, the latest snub will undoubtedly be frustrating.
The 27-year-old recently completed a high-profile move to Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in world football, after establishing himself as one of the most creative defenders of his generation at Liverpool.
His passing range, vision and ability to create chances from deep have long been regarded as among the best in world football.
Those qualities helped him become one of Liverpool’s most influential players under Jurgen Klopp and convinced Real Madrid to make him a key part of their future plans.
Yet those same strengths appear not to align perfectly with Tuchel’s vision for England.
Carragher believes the England manager is focusing more on Alexander-Arnold’s defensive vulnerabilities than his attacking brilliance.
“We know the special qualities Trent has. That’s why Real Madrid wanted him and why Liverpool supporters were so upset to lose him,” Carragher said.
“The qualities Trent has, and maybe the deficiencies, are perhaps why Tuchel hasn’t picked him. He’s looking at the negatives instead of the positives.”
The former Liverpool captain also questioned whether Tuchel’s tactical system allows Alexander-Arnold’s talents to flourish in the same way Klopp’s did at Anfield.
“The way he wants to set his team up, maybe Trent’s strengths don’t get amplified as much in a Tuchel team as they did in a Jurgen Klopp team,” he added.
The decision to call up Chalobah instead of Alexander-Arnold appears to reinforce a pattern that has emerged throughout Tuchel’s reign.
The England boss has repeatedly selected physically strong, versatile defenders capable of playing multiple positions rather than specialist attacking full-backs.
Carragher believes that philosophy extends beyond tactics.
“I said a few weeks ago that he’s picking team harmony, togetherness and spirit over quality and talent. I think this is another decision that proves that.”
For Alexander-Arnold, the latest setback raises fresh questions about his international future.
Despite being one of England’s most gifted footballers and now representing Real Madrid, he remains on the outside looking in as the World Cup gets underway.
Whether Tuchel’s stance changes in the future remains to be seen, but for now the message appears unmistakable: one of England’s biggest stars is still not part of the manager’s plans.
