Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals anger at Thomas Tuchel over World Cup exclusion

Trent Alexander-Arnold has openly expressed his frustration and disappointment after being excluded from England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under manager Thomas Tuchel. The Real Madrid defender, 27, confronted the harsh reality of missing out on football’s premier tournament despite his unwavering commitment to the national team.

Alexander-Arnold’s first season at Real Madrid was marred by inconsistent performances, a stark contrast to his previous form at Liverpool. This dip, combined with a limited role in the England setup since Tuchel’s appointment in early 2025, culminated in his omission from the squad heading to North America. England’s defensive woes at right-back during the World Cup only intensified scrutiny on Tuchel’s decision, as injury and suspension forced multiple changes in the position—yet Alexander-Arnold remained sidelined.

In a candid interview with Mirror Sport, the defender revealed the emotional toll of the exclusion. “I’ll be honest, I was full of hope. When I put the phone down, I was properly gutted,” Alexander-Arnold admitted. He described the tense phone call with Tuchel that confirmed he would be spending the summer away from the tournament. “I hope the coaching staff would expect and understand that I was angry about it. I’d made no plans for my summer because I hoped I’d be in the squad.”

Despite the setback, Alexander-Arnold reaffirmed his determination and loyalty to England. “The manager wants players who are desperate to play for England. I’m one of those. Until I retire, I’m still an England player, whether I’m selected or not.” His words underline a steely resolve to fight for his place in future selections, regardless of this latest snub.

England advanced to the World Cup semi-finals without Alexander-Arnold, but the right-back’s absence highlighted the ongoing instability in the position and raises questions about Tuchel’s selection strategy. Alexander-Arnold’s blunt message to the head coach leaves little doubt about his feelings, signaling that this chapter is far from over.