Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself out of favor with England after being snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup, and one former star has suggested his misery could soon be compounded
12:36, 01 Jul 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been repeatedly snubbed by England boss Thomas Tuchel(Image: Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel has been backed to play Jordan Henderson at right-back during the World Cup, running salt into the wounds of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The former Liverpool vice-captain has been continually overlooked by the England manager, having not made an appearance for his country for over a year now. Despite earning a place in Tuchel’s initial 55-man squad for the World Cup, he was subsequently snubbed for the final 26-man group that boarded the plane to the United States.
Even after an injury ruled out Tino Livramento, Alexander-Arnold was once again overlooked, with Tuchel instead choosing to call up Chelsea center-back Trevoh Chalobah.
The decision not to include Alexander-Arnold has proved controversial with some pundits, with many arguing that his standing as Real Madrid’s right-back should earn him a spot, although former England international Chris Waddle disagrees.
Asked whether it was a mistake for England not to take him, Waddle told 10bet: “No. Alexander-Arnold played 30 games last season and didn’t complete enough games.
“So no, I wouldn't say that it was a mistake to leave him behind. If you are going to pick him, you pick him for his quality and what he gives you, then that's fine - I understand that.”
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson has been backed to play at right-back for England(Image: Getty Images)
Despite Waddle’s insistence, England does face an issue at right-back heading into its first knockout game against DR Congo.
Both Reece James and Jarell Quansah - who played at right-back against Panama - will miss the last-32 contest, leaving just Djed Spence as the most likely option to start. Waddle though has backed Tuchel to go a different route and play former Liverpool captain Henderson at right-back instead — a move which would add insult to injury for Alexander-Arnold.
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“With the way we play, we dominate football matches,” Waddle added. “It’s not until we play France, Spain, or Argentina - someone of that quality - where you're going to be under real pressure.
“Against the teams we are playing now, he could play Jordan Henderson at right-back. Tell me who has got a great winger or who plays on the front foot against England? It’s all counter-attacking, so you may as well have a passer of the ball back there. There's no reason Jordan Henderson can't play at right-back.
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“If you look at the rest of the squad, I know he has played Jarell Quansah there, but why not play a midfield player there? Play Declan Rice there and put a creative midfield player in the center instead.”
Waddle concluded: “Personally, I'd put Jordan Henderson at right-back. He's good on the ball and he's economical.
“He doesn't have to fly on the overlap or bomb forward. We just want somebody who can play as a right-back, get the ball, control it, and pass it, because I've not seen any team go full throttle at England yet.”