England manager Thomas Tuchel has openly admitted that he has not yet communicated with Trent Alexander-Arnold after seemingly jeopardising the Real Madrid star's World Cup aspirations by omitting him from the latest national team selection. Alexander-Arnold was notably absent from the squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, despite Tuchel naming an expanded group of 35 players.
Tuchel's Explanation for the Omission
When questioned about Alexander-Arnold's exclusion, Tuchel pointed to the inclusion of alternative defenders, stating that Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, and Jarell Quansah offer a 'slightly different profile' compared to the experienced full-back. This decision has sparked significant debate among fans and pundits alike, given Alexander-Arnold's established reputation and previous contributions to the England setup.
Lack of Communication Raises Eyebrows
During an interview on talkSPORT, Tuchel was directly asked if he had spoken to Alexander-Arnold following the squad announcement. 'Not yet,' the England boss replied candidly. When pressed on whether Alexander-Arnold might believe his international career is over, Tuchel responded with a vague 'I don't know,' further fuelling speculation about the player's future with the Three Lions.
Alexander-Arnold has seen limited action under Tuchel's management, accumulating just 26 minutes of playtime. His sole appearance under the current England manager came in a 3-0 victory over Andorra back in June of last year. Despite earning 34 caps for his country and participating in the last two World Cup tournaments, his involvement has been minimal. At the 2018 World Cup, he made only a single group stage appearance against Belgium, and in the 2022 tournament in Qatar, he played a mere 33 minutes against Wales.
World Cup Door Not Fully Closed
Tuchel emphasised that he has not completely shut the door on Alexander-Arnold's potential inclusion in the World Cup squad, asserting 'I know what Trent can give us.' However, this reassurance comes with a caveat, as Tuchel has previously expressed concerns about the defender's defensive discipline. Last May, he highlighted Alexander-Arnold's offensive prowess but noted a reliance on attacking contributions at the expense of defensive effort.
'I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions, and gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort,' Tuchel remarked. 'This major impact that he had for Liverpool over so many years, if he wants to have this impact in the English national team, then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously. Because when we are talking, especially, about qualifying football and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100 per cent awake, can be decisive, can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home.'
Personal Turmoil Adds to Professional Setback
The latest snub for Alexander-Arnold coincides with personal upheaval, as it was revealed just one day prior that he has split from his girlfriend, Estelle Behnke, after 18 months together. The pair first sparked dating rumours in November 2024, but sources indicate they have amicably decided to end their relationship. Estelle, a 25-year-old lifestyle influencer, had assisted Alexander-Arnold in settling into his new life in Spain following his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid.
A source close to the couple told the Sun: 'The break-up was tough but both Trent and Estelle knew it was for the best. They shared some special times. But they go their separate ways full of love and thanks for their experiences together. They are both busy people and came to the sad realisation that the relationship just wouldn't last long term.' This personal development adds another layer of complexity to Alexander-Arnold's current professional challenges, as he navigates both his club career at Real Madrid and his uncertain future with the England national team.
