Carragher unsurprised as Tuchel snubs Alexander-Arnold for World Cup squad again

Thomas Tuchel has again overlooked Trent Alexander-Arnold for England’s World Cup squad, with Trevoh Chalobah receiving the call-up after Tino Livramento was ruled out with a calf injury — a decision that has drawn a pointed but unsurprised response from Jamie Carragher.

The former Liverpool defender last appeared for the Three Lions 12 months ago, coming off the bench in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Andorra. His omission follows a turbulent period since leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid, during which he battled injury and struggled for consistency, though he did contribute as Los Blancos attempted to close the gap on Barcelona in La Liga.

Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, argued that Tuchel’s squad selection reflects a deliberate philosophy rather than a straightforward quality assessment. “We know Thomas Tuchel’s stance regarding Trent,” he said. “When you look at some of the players in the squad it looks as though he’s picking centre-backs who can do a job at right-back rather than out and out right-backs.”

The pundit acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional attacking qualities — the same attributes that attracted Real Madrid — but suggested they may not translate as effectively into Tuchel’s system. “The way he wants to set his team up, maybe the strengths don’t get amplified as much in a Tuchel team as they do a Jurgen Klopp team,” Carragher added. “He’s looking at the negatives instead of the positives.”

Carragher had flagged the likelihood of this outcome weeks earlier. “I said a few weeks ago that he’s picking team harmony, togetherness and spirit over quality and talent. I think this is another decision that just proves that. I wouldn’t say I’m overly surprised that he hasn’t gone for Trent.”

Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham is included in the England squad and will represent the Three Lions at the tournament in North America this summer.