Tuchel drops Trent Alexander-Arnold from England squad for March friendlies

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made the controversial decision to omit Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from his 35-man squad for the upcoming March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

“Mainoo did not start a league game this season until Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim but has subsequently turned in a series of strong performances alongside Casemiro”

101 Great Goals

This move has cast significant doubt on the 27-year-old's World Cup hopes as it represents his fourth successive exclusion from England squads.

101 Great Goals

Tuchel explained the selection was based on the performances of other players in recent World Cup qualifiers rather than any deficiency in Alexander-Arnold's abilities.

The German tactician described the decision as 'tough' while acknowledging Alexander-Arnold's considerable talent.

'I know very well what Trent can offer us. I played many times against him and suffered when he played against my teams with Liverpool. So I know very well about his strength and what he can give,' Tuchel stated.

The decision comes despite Reece James being unavailable through injury, which many had expected would open the door for Alexander-Arnold's return.

Alexander-Arnold's exclusion continues a pattern of stop-start international appearances that has frustrated the talented full-back throughout his career with England.

Despite winning every available major honour with Liverpool before his summer switch to Spain, the right-back has accumulated just 34 caps since his international debut in 2018.

BBC

His omission comes at a particularly challenging time, as sources note he has endured a difficult start to life at Real Madrid but has shown improvement in recent weeks.

The player's international prospects have been hampered by his limited playing time since Tuchel's arrival at the helm of England.

Reports indicate Alexander-Arnold has only played 26 minutes under the German manager.

This latest snub raises serious questions about whether the versatile defender will be included in Tuchel's final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Tuchel has opted for several alternative options in the right-back position, prioritizing players who have been regular contributors during recent World Cup qualification campaigns.

“Tuchel has an embarrassment of riches battling for the number 10 position behind Kane, the hub of England's World Cup operation”

BBC

The England manager specifically highlighted Newcastle's Tino Livramento, Tottenham's Djed Spence, and Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah as his preferred choices.

Tuchel explained that these players provide 'a slightly different profile' compared to Alexander-Arnold, suggesting he values their recent involvement with the national team.

Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, who has experience playing at right-back, was also included as an additional option.

The manager emphasized that his decision was about 'what the players currently in camp for the right full-back position need to prove themselves worthy of a spot on the team'.

This selection strategy indicates Tuchel's preference for reliability and recent form over potential and reputation.

Alexander-Arnold's omission is part of a broader trend of high-profile exclusions from Tuchel's squad, including Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Watkins' exclusion comes despite his consistent role as Harry Kane's backup in recent years.

BBC

The 30-year-old has endured a difficult 2026 season, netting just three goals in his last 16 appearances for Villa.

Other notable absentees include Manchester United's Luke Shaw, who has started all 30 Premier League matches this season but was overlooked in favor of younger options.

The decision to leave out Alexander-Arnold alongside these other established players suggests Tuchel is willing to make bold calls as he finalizes his World Cup squad.

The manager has made it clear that this March camp represents the 'last opportunity to impress' for players hoping to secure their place on the plane to the summer tournament.

Tuchel's decision to name an expanded 35-man squad reflects his strategic approach to the final international window before the World Cup.

“- Published Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission from Thomas Tuchel's largest England squad is the latest blow to his stop-start international career and casts huge doubt on his hopes of playing at the World Cup”

BBC

The German manager explained that he has divided the squad into 'two camps almost' to manage player workloads and provide opportunities for fringe players.

BBC

'We bring players in that we haven't seen, who haven't played so much, to open up the picture and the competition for plane tickets to the US,' Tuchel stated.

The first phase will feature players who haven't been in recent camps, while a second group of 10-11 players will join after the Uruguay match.

This approach allows Tuchel to give opportunities to uncapped players like Everton's James Garner and Brighton's Jason Steele.

The 35-year-old Steele, despite not making a Premier League appearance this season, has been included with the possibility of joining the World Cup squad as a training goalkeeper.