Tuchel has made a final decision regarding Trent's exclusion from the England national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
On 27 March 2026 GMT+7, Thomas Tuchel, the England national team coach, addressed the issue of not calling up Trent Alexander-Arnold, the right-back from La Liga's Real Madrid, to the latest squad during the final FIFA international window before preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
The England national team announced a 35-player squad for warm-up matches against Uruguay on 27 March and Japan on 31 March, without Trent Alexander-Arnold. Subsequently, the former Liverpool right-back posted an Instagram story after Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, seemingly sarcastically addressing Thomas Tuchel’s decision by saying, "Madrid and nothing else."
Recently, ITV asked Thomas Tuchel whether Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Instagram story was a reaction to his omission from the England squad. The England coach replied, "I understand, I understand."
"I believe it was a very difficult decision. There is no doubt about his ability, nor about his career and what he can contribute to the team."
"We developed a slightly different playing style when he was not in the camp during September, October, and November. It is a style built on intensity and positivity, based on the profile of a right-back who emphasizes attacking runs, defensive support, and aggressive play."
But Tuchel concluded that Trent still has a chance to join the England team for the 2026 World Cup, saying, "The group of players performing excellently in camp have a slightly different profile, so we continue with this group."
"He was with us in June and might deserve a second chance. It was a very tough decision. I know it invites criticism when you don't play someone like Trent. We have talked about it."
"I try to explain the situation. He has to accept it. It is just a choice — a choice based on football reasons, a difficult choice, and perhaps somewhat unfair in some respects, but we have to make these selections."
