England manager Thomas Tuchel has a right-back problem, and it’s one of his own making. When Tino Livramento was ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, the natural replacement seemed obvious: Trent Alexander-Arnold, a Real Madrid star with two Premier League titles and three Champions League final appearances on his résumé. Yet Tuchel turned to Trevoh Chalobah instead.
Alexander-Arnold, who has been named to the FIFPro World XI and the Champions League Team of the Season, now appears to be, at best, England’s seventh-choice right-back behind Reece James, Livramento, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah — and, yes, Chalobah. According to reports, Tuchel had even considered versatile midfielder James Garner before circling back to the Chelsea defender. The message is clear: Tuchel simply does not rate the 27-year-old.
This isn’t a new stance. Gareth Southgate also preferred Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier during their primes, but Walker was exceptional then. Tuchel, however, stuck with the Manchester City man even after his decline became obvious during a 2025 World Cup qualifier against Senegal. That stubbornness now extends to a player who, by most metrics, ranks among the most creative defenders in the game’s history.
Alexander-Arnold holds the Premier League record for most goals created by a defender. His passing range — those diagonal balls that bend around entire defensive lines — is something only a handful of players on the planet can replicate. Yet Tuchel seems to value positional discipline and defensive solidity above everything else, even if it means leaving a world-class weapon on the shelf.
The right-back depth chart that doesn’t add up
Tuchel’s squad construction suggests he’s comfortable with center-backs filling in on the flank. Konsa, Quansah, and now Chalobah all feature in that hybrid role, while Spence — the one true full-back in the mix — offers pace but limited international experience. If James suffers another injury — and he’s no stranger to them — England’s right flank could feature Spence and Noni Madueke in a knockout game. That’s not the lineup of a team expecting to win a World Cup on home soil.
Fans online have been quick to point out the irony: Alexander-Arnold was arguably England’s best player during the Lee Carsley interim period, earning praise for his midfield cameos and his ability to unlock defenses. That seemed like a breakthrough moment after years of being shunted aside. Instead, it was James who benefited, while Alexander-Arnold remains frozen out.
What England loses by leaving him behind
There’s no denying Alexander-Arnold’s defensive limitations have been a talking point throughout his career. Vinicius Junior exposed them in a Champions League final, though it’s worth noting the two are now teammates at Real Madrid. But those flaws rarely cost Liverpool during the Klopp and Arne Slot eras — in fact, the Reds achieved great success with him as a key contributor. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka — England’s first-choice right winger and another creative outlet on that flank — has his own injury concerns. Cole Palmer, who could cut inside from the right, also missed the cut.
This isn’t about picking favorites or emotions. It’s about maximizing talent. Tuchel has every right to build his squad his way, but ignoring a player of Alexander-Arnold’s unique gifts — especially with a World Cup on home soil — feels like a gamble that could backfire spectacularly. England might not miss him in the group stage, but in a tight knockout game where a single moment of brilliance is the difference between going home and advancing, his absence could be the story that defines Tuchel’s tenure.
Leave a Comment