England manager Thomas Tuchel has promised to hold talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold about the defender’s international role after leaving him out of the latest squad.
Alexander-Arnold has made only one appearance under Tuchel, a short substitute outing against Andorra in June. He missed selection for the recent November internationals after a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem and has struggled for minutes at Real Madrid, registering just seven appearances since the Club World Cup.
Tuchel said he plans to reach out to players on his longlist and explain decisions and paths back into the squad. “First of all, it’s my job now to make contact with everyone, players like Trent,” he said. “Players that are on our longlist, 55 to 60 players to reach out, be in touch and explain to them why they were not here. Explain to them what they have to do, where they can improve can they do soing [to be chosen] or is it just a choice [of mine]?”
He added that meetings may be face-to-face or by video. “[It’s] better on Facetime. Then I see the expression, at least, and get a feeling for the person. Or I need to visit them, visit training grounds. We can do group visits, we can do Jude [Bellingham] and Trent and visit the clubs. Some of them we will call. Let’s see. We’ve just finished this camp and I think it’s important that I reach out to everyone, even to the guys we didn’t pick regularly to tell them where they are and give them honest feedback.”
Tuchel’s selections already show strong competition at right back. Reece James is a clear option, and Jarell Quansah has been used there recently. Tuchel explained his faith in Quansah: “I have a lot of trust in Jarell,” he said. “I see his talent but I see the package [too]. He is tall, fast, strong in buildup, in the air. I saw him playing very strong for Liverpool in this position [right back]. So I always wanted to try [him there]. And he plays every minute for Leverkusen since the Under-21 Euros [which he won with England]. So he is, at the moment, a tiny bit ahead.”
Other players named in the right-back pool include Tino Livramento, Kyle Walker and Djed Spence. Tuchel will name his next squad in March 2026, after England learn their World Cup group opponents. For Alexander-Arnold, the next months are vital: consistent club minutes and fitness will be key if he is to regain a regular place in the national team picture.
You May Like
Wow, can you believe Tuchel is getting involved in the England right-back race? Wonder how this will play out!
Is Tuchel the secret weapon in Alexander-Arnolds right-back battle? Excited to see the outcome! 🔥⚽ #footballtalk
Is Tuchels involvement stepping over the line? Let the players focus on their game without added pressure.
Cant wait to see Tuchels tactics for Alexander-Arnold! Who do you think will be Englands right-back? Let the debate begin!
Should Tuchel really be getting involved in the England right-back race? Seems like a bold move, but could shake things up!
Shouldnt we focus on the actual games rather than speculating about chats between managers and players? Lets talk about the action on the pitch!
Should Tuchel really be getting involved in the England right-back race? Seems unnecessary, let the players battle it out!