As has been constantly discussed of late, a little over a week ago we saw England national team manager Thomas Tuchel make the controversial decision to not include Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in his squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley. 

This decision was made despite a bloated 35-man squad being chosen, and despite first choice right-back Reece James being out with a recently picked up hamstring injury. 

Then, things got even more damning for Alexander-Arnold, when former Liverpool team mate Jarell Quansah pulled out of the squad with an injury, only to be replaced by Arsenal's Ben White instead of Real Madrid's number 12, making it clear that Tuchel is simply not a fan. 

One person who is a fan, however, is England legend David Beckham, who was full of praise for the 27-year old. When speaking to English radio channel talkSPORT, the former Real Madrid man was asked if he would take the defender to the World Cup. 

He responded by saying: "That's why I'm not England manager, because I don't have to make those decisions, to be fair (laughs). But, I'm a massive fan of Trent. I love Trent as a player. I've heard so many times over the years when he was at Liverpool, Real Madrid, when he's playing for England about 'well he's not as good at defending (as others)'.

Sometimes, you have to accept that. It was the same (with) Roberto Carlos, he was an unbelievable defender, but he was also unbelievable going forward, and he'd also go forward, and then we'd have to cover him.

So, those kinds of things you expect. But with Trent, if I were to take him, I'd find it very hard not to take someone like Trent. But then, Thomas (Tuchel), he's come out and said that there are other players ahead of him at the moment. But he said 'at the moment', so that could change. 

I think you (interviewer) said it: tonight (vs Uruguay) might prove that other players who might not get in the squad are playing. So you don't know. This is very close to, obviously, picking a final squad. But I still think that Thomas is considering Trent. 

I've obviously seen Trent for many years now, and he's got a very similar style of crossing and passing to what I had, I think. But I'm not someone to turn around and say who's better, because I love Trent as a player."

Some very strong words from a legend of the game like Beckham, and it shows just how good he is. Game recognises game, as they say. Let's hope Tuchel eventually agrees. Nevertheless, it is useful for Los Blancos that he's had two weeks off in this break. 

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