Thomas Tuchel overlooked Trent Alexander-Arnold for England(Image: Getty Images)
1. **Simply not picked:** In the most straightforward layman's terms, Thomas Tuchel simply did not select Trent Alexander-Arnold for his final World Cup squad. Because his name was not on the official roster submitted to FIFA, he is completely ineligible to step on the pitch and hasn't been allowed to play in any matches, including the last 16 against Mexico.
2. **Defensive awareness concerns:** Despite his world-class passing range, persistent questions about Alexander-Arnold's defensive reliability and tactical discipline continue to follow him. In a high-stakes, pressure-cooker environment like the upcoming Mexico match, the manager clearly prefers fullbacks who prioritise defensive solidity over attacking flair.
3. **Real Madrid struggles:** Moving from his boyhood club, Liverpool, to Real Madrid in La Liga last summer proved a challenging transition that significantly affected his overall form. The difficulty of adapting to a new country, language and tactical system resulted in an inconsistent season that failed to win over the England boss.
4. **Fierce positional competition:** The right-back role remains heavily contested in the England camp, with the manager initially selecting Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Djed Spence. These players were deemed more reliable fits for the current tactical demands, pushing Alexander-Arnold completely out of the preliminary and final World Cup picture.
5. **Diminished attacking output:** Once renowned for his prolific assist numbers at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold's creative output drastically plummeted during his first season in Spain. Because the setup heavily favours players in peak form who are executing their primary strengths, this drop in attacking production was a major factor in his omission.
6. **Tactical system misfit:** The current tactical blueprint relies on specialists who can execute highly precise instructions based on the game state, and Alexander-Arnold's unique playmaking style doesn't fit seamlessly. The manager simply could not find a natural, balanced role for him within the squad's established defensive or midfield structure.
7. **Failed midfield experiment:** Gareth Southgate's highly publicised attempt to use Alexander-Arnold as a central midfielder during Euro 2024 was widely viewed as a tactical failure. With that experiment abandoned and current midfield spots occupied by specialised players, his alternative route into the starting line-up was permanently closed.
8. **Lack of caps:** Alexander-Arnold has been largely absent from the national team set-up recently, having not made an appearance for the Three Lions since a brief 26-minute cameo against Andorra in June 2025. This extended period away from international football left him entirely disconnected from the team's evolving tactical preparations.
9. **Ignored despite injuries:** Even when Livramento had to pull out before the opener against Croatia, the manager remained steadfast in his decision to leave him at home, instead calling upon Trevoh Chalobah. Jarell Quansah was utilised at right-back after James got injured, although he too has since picked up a knock, with Spence filling in against DR Congo.
10. **Read more:** [What England have to overcome if they're to beat Mexico and progress in the World Cup](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/mexico-vs-england-world-cup-37381526)