Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out of England's World Cup squad and John Terry feels that was a conscious decision by manager Thomas Tuchel for one reason.
15:38, 03 Jul 2026
Trent Alexander Arnold of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid v Real Oviedo
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out of the England squad this summer(Image: (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images))
Trent Alexander-Arnold may have been left out of England's World Cup squad this summer to accommodate 'easier target' Djed Spence.
That is the view of former Three Lions captain and Chelsea central defender John Terry who reckons manager Thomas Tuchel picked the Tottenham Hotspur full back as a message to his team.
For the former Blues centre-half, Spence is far less experienced than Alexander-Arnold and a relative new face within the squad. And that may have made it easier for Tuchel to make an example of the backup right-back at Spurs to prove he runs the show. Certainly, Terry says, something the German would not have done to Trent.
“I don’t know if you’ve seen the images and videos of him going mad at Spence again in the game [against DR Congo],” Terry said on Piers Morgan's World Cup Uncensored show. “I’m not saying he’s picking him out - but he seems like he’s having a proper dig at him.
“I’m a little bit worried. If that’s Trent, I’m not sure he’s behaving like that. I’m not sure he’s talking to Trent like that.
“And maybe that’s an [explanation] of why he’s picked a couple of these players, because he can go like that to these younger players or these new players in the squad.”
Spence has continually been the brunt of Tuchel's ire during the tournament with some of his defensive and attacking work being criticized by the manager.
England right back Trent Alexander-Arnold wunning
Trent Alexander-Arnold has played just 26 minutes for England under Tuchel(Image: Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
The 25-year-old has started two of England's matches and was berated by Tuchel against both DR Congo and Ghana more than once.
Cameras captured the coach giving his defender an earful after he took a throw-in back the way as opposed to facing an attacking position. Tuchel yelled at the time: "Djed! There is one on one! Play up front!"
Spence has been in the squad at the expense of Alexander-Arnold and it was a decision which many fans questioned when Tuchel picked his 26.
The Champions League and Premier League winner has been playing with Real Madrid since leaving Anfield last year and is a natural winner having lifted eight trophies during his time with the Reds.
He was also a significant part of England's European Championship runners' up campaign in 2024.
After both Reece James and Tivo Livramento picked up injuries which ruled them out of the tournament, Trent's omission has been a questionable one.
Spence is now the only fit right-back at the tournament and will likely be the man asked to start against Mexico at the Azteca in the last-16 round which may be a daunting prospect for the player.
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He has been wearing a protective face mask following a collision with Chelsea striker Liam Delap.