Manager Thomas Tuchel is prepared to offer Trent Alexander-Arnold a potential route back into England’s World Cup plans. Tuchel has revealed he will hold a series of video calls with members of his fringe squad, including Alexander-Arnold on that list.
The England manager has admitted that Jarrel Quansah is currently ahead of Real Madrid’s right-back in the pecking order, but says he will discuss with his players what he needs to do to get back into contention next summer. Alexander-Arnold, 27, has not been included in England’s previous three squads and has not featured since joining Real Madrid, but he appears to be firmly established as Chelsea captain Reece James’ first choice right-back for the World Cup.
But Tuchel said: “First of all, my job now is to get in touch with all the players like Trent. It’s to get in touch with the 55, 60 players who are on our longlist, get in touch with them 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.”
“I hate phone calls. FaceTime is better. That way you can at least see their facial expressions and know how they’re feeling. Or you have to visit or visit their practice or practice range.”
Tuchel will travel to Madrid, where he will meet with both Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham to ensure all players feel included.
The England manager initially drew up his list before announcing his squad, and it is thought players such as Ivan Toney, Mason Mount and Brighton pair Danny Welbeck and Jack Hinshelwood would be included on that list, but opportunities are becoming increasingly limited.
Quansah has strengthened his case following his performance against Albania and has now moved above Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order, but it will no doubt be frustrating for the former Liverpool defender who struggled to secure a regular place under former manager Gareth Southgate and remains a bit of a nuisance for England.
However, Tuchel questioned why there was any need for surprise about Alexander-Arnold’s intention to visit. “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, but 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.”
