Trent Alexander-Arnold will be offered the chance to play the 2026 FIFA World Cup with England manager Thomas Tuchel prepared to give fringe players a lifeline.
Alexander-Arnold is currently not enjoying the best spell for club and country. The former Liverpool star has failed to stay fit at Real Madrid and this has affected his place in the national team.
The 27-years-old has not been in England’s last three camps, has not been picked since he went to Real Madrid and it looks as if Chelsea captain Reece James is nailed-on to start the World Cup at right back.
Tuchel also admitted that Jarell Quansah is currently ahead of the Real Madrid right back.
However, Arnold might be offered a way back with Tuchel prepared to speak to players to tell them what they need to do to get back in his plans for next summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold looks on during the LaLiga match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Tuchel said: “First of all, it’s my job now to make contact with everyone, players like Trent. Players that are on our long list, 55, 60 players, to reach out to them, be in touch with them, explain to them why they were not here.
“Explain to them what they have to do, where they can improve. Can they even do something or is it just a choice. So this is my job in the next weeks and months.
“I hate phone calls. Better on FaceTime. Then I see the expression, at least, and get a feeling for the person. Or I need to visit them, visit training, training grounds.”
Tuchel plans to fly to Madrid and will see both Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham to make every player feel part of it.
The England boss first compiled that list before he named his squad and the likes of Ivan Toney, Mason Mount and Brighton duo Danny Welbeck and Jack Hinshelwood are likely to be on it but time is running out on them.
Questioned why anyone would be surprised that he would visit Alexander-Arnold. “Why would I not?” Tuchel answered. “We can do group visits. We can do Jude and Trent. And visit the clubs. And some of them we will call. Let’s see.
“Listen, we’ve just finished this camp and I think it’s important that I reach out to everyone, even to the guys we didn’t pick so regularly to tell them where they are and give them honest feedback.
“Of course I have a lot of trust in Jarell. I see his talent but I see the package. He is tall, he is fast, he is strong in build-up. He is strong in the air.
“I saw him be very strong playing for Liverpool in this position. So I always wanted to try. And he plays every minute for Leverkusen since the under-21 Euros. So he is at the moment a tiny bit ahead.”
