Despite having a good season with Real Madrid, the absence of this player from his national team squad has surprised everyone.
Former Bayern Munich coach Tuchel called up no fewer than 35 players for the Three Lions’ friendly matches against Uruguay (March 27) and Japan (March 31) during the upcoming international break. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold is not on the list.
The Real Madrid right back is left out of the squad in favor of Dan Burn (Newcastle) and Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur). Alexander-Arnold had already missed Tuchel’s squad in November and was unavailable in October due to a thigh injury. The last time the former Liverpool player featured was in June, coming on as a substitute in England's 1-0 win over Andorra in World Cup qualifying.
“I know what Trent can bring to us, and we have decided to keep our players,” Tuchel explained. “I know his strengths; he is a great player, but it is a sporting decision.”
Although Alexander-Arnold is a starter for the Madrid side and impressed in the Champions League round-of-16 against Manchester City, the 27-year-old has only been able to meet the high expectations to a limited extent since his arrival last summer.
In 20 games, he managed only two assists and no goals, though a muscle tear late in the year sidelined him for weeks. Real Madrid signed Alexander-Arnold (contract until 2031) initially from Liverpool FC at no cost. However, €10 million was paid to the Anfield Road club, which made him eligible to play in the Club World Cup before his contract expired.
Harry Maguire, meanwhile, returned to the squad, where he had last been in 2024. Among the new additions are James Garner (Everton) and Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion). Alexander-Arnold’s teammate Jude Bellingham was also called up.
Meanwhile, Tuchel plans to “split into two groups” his large squad during the camp, he said, adding: “In one of the groups we will incorporate players we haven’t seen yet and who haven’t played much so far, to boost competition for places for the World Cup in the United States.”
Tuchel detailed his plans: “From Friday or Saturday, a group that has had a rest will arrive at the training ground. We will face Japan with a new group of players.” Ultimately, the squad for the final tournament can have 26 players.
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