England manager Thomas Tuchel is already considering his squad for next summer’s World Cup, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s position currently up for grabs.
Manager Thomas Tuchel intends to give Trent Alexander-Arnold a World Cup lifeline. Tuchel has revealed plans to hold a number of video calls with players on the team’s periphery, along with Alexander-Arnold, who is on his star list.
England manager Tuchel admitted that Djarrell Quansah currently has the lead over Real Madrid’s right-back, but said he would talk to his players about what they need to do to get back on track for next summer.
Alexander-Arnold, 27, has not taken part in England’s last three camps and has not been selected since joining Real Madrid, with Chelsea captain Reece James looking certain to start the World Cup at right-back.
But Tuchel said: “First of all, it’s my job now to contact all the players like Trent. To contact the 55, 60 players who are on our longlist, to get in touch and explain why they haven’t been here.”
“Explain to them what they have to do and where they can improve. Can they do something or is it just a choice? So this is my job for the next few weeks and months.”
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“I hate phone calls. FaceTime is better. That way you can at least see the person’s expression and know how they’re feeling. Or you have to visit or visit their practice or practice range.”
Tuchel will fly to Madrid and will meet with both Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham to ensure all players feel included.
The England manager has drawn up this list before naming his squad, with the likes of Ivan Toney, Mason Mount, Brighton duo Danny Welbeck and Jack Hinshelwood likely to be on the list, but time is running out.
Quansah staked his claim against Albania and now has his sights set on Alexander-Arnold, which must be frustrating for the former Liverpool defender who has never been able to secure a place under former manager Gareth Southgate and remains something of an enigma to England.
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But Tuchel wondered why everyone was surprised that he would visit Alexander-Arnold. “Why not?” Tuchel said. “We can do a group visit. Jude and Trent can do it. And then we can visit the club. I’m going to call some of them. Let’s see.”
“Listen, we just finished this camp. I think it’s important that we reach out regularly to the players that we didn’t select as well, let them know where they are and give them honest feedback.
“Obviously, I have a lot of faith in Jarrell. I recognize his talent, but I also understand the package. He’s tall, he’s fast, he’s strong in the build-up, he’s strong in the air. He has faith in Jarrell.”
“I saw him play very strongly in this position for Liverpool, so I always wanted a challenge. And he’s been playing every minute for Leverkusen since the Under-21 Euros. So at the moment he’s just a little bit ahead.”
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