David Beckham defends Trent Alexander-Arnold after new exclusion.

David Beckham, an icon of English football, has voiced one of the most debated issues in the football community: the exclusion of Trent Alexander-Arnold from the England squad for the World Cup. With the recent call-up of Thomas Tuchel for the matches against Uruguay and Japan, the right-back from Real Madrid was left out, generating a wave of controversy and discussion. Beckham, who does not hesitate to express his support for Alexander-Arnold, stated that it would be “very difficult” to ignore the talent of the 27-year-old.

Alexander-Arnold, widely recognized as one of the best right-backs in the world, saw his absence become even more notable in the context of such a broad selection. His exclusion remains a polarizing topic, especially due to the ongoing comparison between his offensive skills and his defensive consistency. Beckham, who is a passionate advocate for the player, emphasized the uniqueness of Alexander-Arnold’s talent, even in the face of the challenges he faces under Tuchel’s management.

In statements to talkSPORT, Beckham praised Alexander-Arnold, making it clear that although he does not have the weight of the decision in his hands, he is a great admirer of the player. “That’s why I’m not the England coach, because I don’t have to make those decisions. I’m a big fan of Trent. I’ve heard so many times that he’s not as good defensively as he is offensively. Sometimes, you have to accept that. Roberto Carlos was an incredible defender, but also a fantastic attacking player,” Beckham stated.

With the World Cup rapidly approaching, the pressure is on Tuchel to assemble a team with the potential to win the title. Alexander-Arnold’s absence from the latest squad, which saw Ben White reintegrated, raised questions about the player’s future in the national team. However, Beckham believes the door is not yet closed for the full-back. “With Trent, I would have a hard time not taking him. But then Thomas has already said there are other players ahead of him at the moment. But he used the expression ‘at the moment’, which can change,” Beckham said.

The former captain of the England national team also expressed optimism about England’s chances in the World Cup. He praised the blend of youth and experience in the squad, highlighting Harry Kane’s role as captain. “I think we are in the best possible position, honestly. We have a young and talented team with a great captain in great form, probably the best form of his life, in Harry. Obviously, he is a great leader, and I think Thomas is very meticulous in his selection and management of the team,” Beckham concluded.

As the tournament approaches, the football community eagerly awaits Tuchel’s decisions, which could shape the future of the England national team and potentially that of Alexander-Arnold himself. This is a crucial moment for English football, and the decisions made now could have a significant impact on the team’s performance in the World Cup.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.