Gerrard Stunned by Alexander-Arnold’s England Omission
Former England captain and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has expressed his significant surprise and disappointment following Thomas Tuchel’s decision to exclude Trent Alexander-Arnold from the 35-man squad for the recent international break. This break represents the final opportunity for players to stake their claim for a spot in the squad heading to the 2026 World Cup.
While acknowledging Alexander-Arnold’s season has been hampered by recurring injury issues, the sheer size of the squad selection was intended to cast a wide net, offering numerous candidates a chance to impress ahead of the global tournament. However, by leaving the Real Madrid defender out, even as he regains fitness at the Bernabeu towards the end of the campaign, Tuchel appears to have sent a stark message to the former Liverpool star, suggesting his World Cup aspirations this summer might be fading.
For Gerrard, the omission was not merely a shock but a source of considerable disappointment, especially given that Alexander-Arnold was once considered an indispensable member of the England setup.
“Very much so, (I was surprised),” Gerrard stated while on punditry duty before Liverpool’s match against Brighton. “Look, we’ve got some excellent options at right-back. Reece James, in my opinion, is world-class. Then there’s Tino Livramento – I know he’s had a couple of injuries, but he can play on either flank.”
Gerrard continued, questioning the decision-making process: “I understand the selection, but I just think, is Trent Alexander-Arnold among the best 35 players in this country? Absolutely, he is.”
He elaborated on Alexander-Arnold’s unique skillset, particularly his ability to unlock stubborn defences. “And there will be certain games where England need to break down a defence, perhaps against a low block, and it can be incredibly frustrating. Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of those players who can come off the bench and completely change a game with a single pass. That’s the calibre of player he is.”
“So, I am surprised, and disappointed for him,” Gerrard concluded.
However, Gerrard was also willing to consider that other factors might have influenced the German manager’s choices.
“But there are many other circumstances to take into account,” Gerrard mused. “How much game time has he had? Is he physically in his peak condition? Are there any off-field issues at play?”
“Perhaps it’s about Tuchel not wanting to include players who won’t feature regularly or be in the starting eleven, and who might disrupt the team dynamic?” he pondered. “There are numerous elements that could be considered before selecting a squad for a six-week tournament.”
Tuchel’s Rationale: A ‘Different Profile’
In his own defence of the squad announcement on Friday, Tuchel explained that he believes his selected right-backs – James, Livramento, Tottenham’s Djed Spence, and Liverpool’s Jarrell Quansah – offer a “slightly different profile” compared to Alexander-Arnold.
Tuchel also admitted he had not directly communicated with Alexander-Arnold since making the decision and was uncertain whether this marked the end of the player’s international prospects under his management.
Last year, Tuchel had previously acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s attacking prowess but voiced concerns about his defensive capabilities.
“I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions, and gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort,” Tuchel remarked in May of the previous year. “I think there is a point to it. This major impact that he had for Liverpool over so many years, if he wants to have this impact in the English national team, then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously.”
He stressed the critical nature of defensive solidity in high-stakes football: “Because when we are talking, especially, about qualifying football and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100 per cent awake, can be decisive, can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home.”
The expanded 35-man squad was designed to provide fringe players with an audition opportunity during the initial friendly matches of the break. Simultaneously, it allows key starters to rest and recover amidst a demanding club schedule. This approach offers a dual benefit, assessing potential talent while managing the workload of established stars.
