England's World Cup campaign has been plagued by right-back injuries, reigniting debate over Thomas Tuchel's decision to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the 26-man squad. The Real Madrid star, 27, has won just one of his 34 England caps under Tuchel, coming off the bench against Andorra in June 2025.
Injury Crisis at Right-Back
Tino Livramento withdrew before the tournament due to injury, replaced by centre-back Trevoh Chalobah. Reece James and Jarell Quansah have also suffered injuries since arriving in Qatar. With Djed Spence struggling against DR Congo and Declan Rice filling in late on, Alexander-Arnold's absence was glaring.
Tuchel's Stance on Alexander-Arnold
Tuchel explained in March why Alexander-Arnold was not in his plans: 'I know it's a tough decision for Trent. It is a sporting decision that we stick with Jarell Quansah, with Tino Livramento and with Djed Spence who all can play for us on the right full-back position.' He added, 'I feel that I know what Trent can give us and decided still to stick to the players who were in camp with us.'
In June 2025, Tuchel criticized Alexander-Arnold's defending: 'I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions and gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort. ... The one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100 per cent awake, can be decisive. It can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home.'
Tactical Misfit
Tuchel also noted that Alexander-Arnold's style did not suit his system: 'We built a back three ... with Kyle Walker or Reece James staying from the back four. ... That would not be ideal with Trent. It will not suit his strengths to be in the back three. ... It would just not suit his character. We need to find the role that suits him.'
When naming his World Cup squad in May, Tuchel emphasized team spirit over individual talent: 'From day one we were clear we were trying to build the best possible team, which is not necessarily the 26 most talented players. Teams win championships, and what we're trying to achieve can only be achieved as a team. We have players ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish.'
Alexander-Arnold's Season at Real Madrid
Despite a difficult first season in Spain, Alexander-Arnold has made 35 appearances for Real Madrid after overcoming injury. His offensive contributions are widely recognized, but Tuchel has consistently favored other options, including Reece James, who was first choice at right-back before getting injured.
