Not even a backup option: Tuchel omits Trent AGAIN!
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 24.03.26. | 21:14
Instead of TAA, the German called up Ben White to replace the injured Jarell Quansah, although the Arsenal defender left England's camp during the 2022 World Cup and refused to play for the national team since then
The door of the England national team seems to be closed for Trent Alexander-Arnold for good!
Thomas Tuchel's decision to omit the Real Madrid full-back from the Three Lions' squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan undoubtedly surprised the general public.
"I know very well what Trent can offer us. I know very well about his strength and what he can give."
”But at the moment it is like we have evidence how good we were in September, October, November, and the players who are in camp for right full-back, they have to push for their ticket, they have to compete, they have to show again that they deserve this,” the German said via The Independent, explaining his call to snub the former Liverpool right-back.
Many interpreted his words as a softened statement that Trent's defence is below the level he, as the national team boss, requires.
And even though, naturally, no one confirmed or denied this theory, yesterday it received strong confirmation.
Namely, Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah stepped away from the team due to a thigh injury, and Tuchel decided to call up Ben White as his replacement.
Ben White is back in the England squad after 4 years as an Arsenal sub, yet Trent Alexander-Arnold still can’t get a look-in from Tuchel. Thoughts? 🤔🤯#AFC #Arsenal #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/mNIfDUAnaP
— DR Sports (@drsportsmedia) March 23, 2026
Now, including the Arsenal defender in the squad is not a problem by itself, but the fact that he left England's camp during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and refused to play for the national team since then speaks volumes.
To make matters worse, White made only 21 appearances for the Gunners this season, clocking about an hour per game.
Even such a player is more likely to find his place in Tuchel's crew than Trent!
Thomas Tuchel added Ben White (the guy who refused to play for his national team) to the 36 men squad
— Leeroy🇮🇹 (@leeroyivry) March 24, 2026
Over an in form Alexander-Arnold
You can't tell me it's not personal at this point
Hence, Alexander-Arnold apparently isn't even a backup option at the moment, and the situation will hardly change by June when Tuchel will announce a final 26-man World Cup squad.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that Quansah isn't the only injured player who dropped out of the squad with an injury, as Arsenal's Eberechi Eze was forced to do the same. To replace the Gunners' #10, Harvey Barnes of Newcastle received his maiden Three Lions call-up.