Thomas Tuchel has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold that he needs to demonstrate greater defensive reliability after unexpectedly bringing him back into the England squad for the forthcoming Nations League fixtures.
The England manager had previously selected the Real Madrid right-back only for last June’s matches against Andorra and Senegal. At the time, Tuchel attracted attention by insisting Alexander-Arnold must improve the defensive part of his game to avoid mistakes that could damage England’s World Cup ambitions.
Alexander-Arnold came on after 64 minutes against Andorra but was no longer part of Tuchel’s plans by the time England travelled to North America for the tournament. He has now returned despite starting just three of Madrid’s seven games this season and producing relatively low-profile displays. Tuchel’s expectations remain the same.
“He must do it because it is essential,” Tuchel said when questioned about Alexander-Arnold’s defensive contribution. “I believe he can, but there is no alternative.”
Although Alexander-Arnold is renowned for his passing ability, Tuchel still considers him a right-back rather than a midfielder. The manager has previously placed Tino Livramento and Jarell Quansah ahead of him in that position. Both players have also been selected for the matches against Spain at home, Czechia home and away, and Croatia away.
Quick Guide
England squad
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Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Jason Steele.
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrod Branthwaite, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guéhi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Jarell Quansah.
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Alex Scott.
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Rio Ngumoha, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka.
Injuries prevented Tuchel from selecting his preferred right-back, Reece James, as well as Djed Spence, who is capable of playing on either side of the defence. Ben White is also unavailable, although Tuchel confirmed he would otherwise have been considered. Ezri Konsa, primarily a central defender, is included and can provide another option at right-back.
Tuchel said he had previously contacted Alexander-Arnold to explain why he would not be going to the World Cup, but no personal call was made before this selection. “He learned the positive news through the squad announcement,” Tuchel said. “I do not think much has changed. I understand his qualities and the level of talent he possesses. He has made it clear that he is determined to represent England and compete for the shirt. This is a long camp and an ideal opportunity for him to make an impression. Trent now has the chance to earn the position on the right that he believes belongs to him.”
Graphic detailing the England minutes played by members of the squad during Thomas Tuchel’s tenure
Alexander-Arnold was the most notable inclusion as Tuchel also recalled Jarrad Branthwaite, Lewis Hall, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Alex Scott, Cole Palmer and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Rio Ngumoha was selected as well. Dean Henderson, John Stones, Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson are unavailable through injury, while Noni Madueke, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney were left out.
Tuchel also decided against selecting Levi Colwill, Adam Wharton, Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White, while Harry Maguire was not recalled. The defender had been given hope of reaching the World Cup after featuring against Uruguay and Japan in March, only to be omitted from the tournament squad. Maguire responded on social media by saying he was “shocked and gutted”, while his mother, Zoe, described the decision as “disgusting”.
Responding to Maguire’s comments, Tuchel said: “I will not hold it against him forever because that is not the kind of person I am. I can move on quickly and put things behind me. However, I did not appreciate the reaction, and it does not improve his situation.”
Tuchel confirmed that he has not spoken with Maguire since then.
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