London, UK, August 29, 2025
In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out of England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, just months after his high-profile move to Real Madrid. England manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to omit the right-back in favor of other options has sparked widespread debate and raised questions about Alexander-Arnold’s form and international future.
Headlines
* Tuchel’s “Tighter Squad”: The England coach cites a desire for a more “competitive” and “tighter” squad for the omission.
* Competition at Right-Back: Djed Spence and Tino Livramento have been handed call-ups, challenging the established order.
* Struggles at Real Madrid: The decision follows a mixed start to Alexander-Arnold’s career in Spain, where he has not yet secured a regular starting spot over club captain Dani Carvajal.
* International Future in Question: The snub raises concerns about the 26-year-old’s place in the England team ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
The announcement came as Tuchel unveiled his 24-man squad for the qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. When questioned about the absence of one of England’s most technically gifted players, Tuchel explained that he is a “big fan” of Alexander-Arnold’s talent but that the omission was a result of a conscious decision to make the squad more competitive. The manager specifically mentioned preferring Reece James and Tino Livramento for the right-back role this time around, a move that signals a shift in focus and a willingness to explore new options.
For Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid from his boyhood club Liverpool in May, the news caps a difficult week. While the move to the Spanish giants was seen as a bold career step, his start to life at the Bernabéu has been challenging. He has struggled to dislodge the experienced Dani Carvajal from the starting line-up, leading to speculation about his form and adaptation to a new league. Although he has featured in some games, he has not yet been a guaranteed starter, and this latest setback from the England national team will undoubtedly add to the pressure.
The exclusion is particularly significant as it comes after previous comments from Tuchel about Alexander-Arnold’s defensive game. The manager had previously voiced concerns about the player’s emphasis on offensive contributions at the expense of defensive discipline. This latest decision suggests that those concerns have not been fully allayed. While Tuchel’s decision might be a temporary measure to allow Alexander-Arnold to settle into his new club, it serves as a stark reminder that even a player of his caliber is not immune to the fierce competition for a place in the England squad.
