Gary Lineker has hinted that one England player is only in the squad due to Thomas Tuchel's own 'personal' reasons, rather than ability. The Three Lions are gearing up towards the 2026 World Cup, with time running out for anyone looking to impress the manager.
Tuchel heavily rotated his starting XI for the visit of Uruguay on Friday night, giving the likes of Dominic Solanke, James Garner and James Trafford the chance to make an impression. The 1-1 draw will have given the German coach plenty to ponder in the coming months before the World Cup.
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England are blessed with many incredible players, hence why they're among the favourites to lift the iconic international trophy this summer. However, retired striker Lineker doesn't believe one man merits a place in the squad.
Lineker Unhappy with Tuchel Decision
Thomas Tuchel at an England press conference
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Lineker expressed his confusion at Tuchel's continued snubbing of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Real Madrid defender is out in the cold, despite first-choice right-back Reece James being injured.
Lineker, who played 80 games for his country, claimed there must be a 'personal' issue preventing Tuchel from calling up the ex-Liverpool man. "I think there’s something personal, because football-wise, there’s no argument," he said before adding:
"I can’t see how he can not be in that squad because he has to improve your chances, even if it’s from the bench.
"So I suspect there’s something that Tuchel does not like about Trent Alexander-Arnold. I’d just be guessing in terms of what it might be, whether it’s his attitude or he thinks he’s not brilliant defensively."
Lineker suggested the players in his position aren't as good as the 27-year-old: "There has to be something in that because it makes absolutely no sense. You’ve got players playing in his position, with all due respect, that are not in the same league as him, certainly with the ball at his feet."
England Star's Inclusion Labelled 'Insulting'
lineker bbc
Not stopping there in his criticism of the England manager, the 65-year-old went on to claim one of the alternatives in Tuchel's squad isn't 'in the same league'. The forward-turned-presenter stated:
"But I find it quite insulting looking at the players he’s brought in. We talk about the Ben White situation, for example, and he’s not wanted to play for England before.
"Now I wouldn’t judge him on that because we don’t really know what’s happened in the camp before and his reasons for not playing. That’s all fine but I can’t see how he can still be ahead of Trent, I think that’s really insulting to a seriously top full-back. That’s my view."
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Ben White left everyone shocked when he left the camp early during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. While the real reason was never given, it is believed that a fallout with Steve Holland was one of the main factors. The Arsenal man had refused to be called up again until he returned to the fold under Tuchel last week.