Trent Alexander-Arnold was a surprise exclusion from the England squad this month by Thomas Tuchel
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard believes Trent Alexander-Arnold should be in the England squad(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has claimed that Trent Alexander-Arnold's England snub for this month's international break comes as a surprise. The Real Madrid ace was left out of Thomas Tuchel's 35-man group for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Tino Livramento and Djed Spence were named as England's right-backs, with Reece James out injured. Alexander-Arnold hasn't played for his country since the 1-0 win over Andorra in June.
On Saturday, Gerrard was asked about the right-back's exclusion and the Anfield favourite revealed he believes Alexander-Arnold is good enough to play. “Very much so," he replied when asked if Tuchel's decision had surprised him.
"Listen, we’ve got some good options at right-back, Reece James is world class, I really like Livramento, I know he’s had a couple of injuries but he can play both sides. I understand the selection, but I just think, ‘Is Trent among the best 35 players in this country?’ Of course he is.
"There’s going to be certain games where England have to open the door, they might be against a low block where it’s really frustrating, and Trent is one of these players who can come off the bench and just completely change the game with one pass, he’s that level of a player.
"So I am surprised and I’m disappointed for him. But there’s a lot of other situations that you’ve got to take into consideration. How much has he played? Is he physically at his best? Is there stuff going on off the pitch? Is it where he (Tuchel) doesn’t want a group of players where those who aren’t going to be in the XI that might be different people around the place…
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn't played for England since June(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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"There’s a lot that gets taken into consideration before you select a squad across a six-week period rather than for a one-off game.”
Tuchel provided an insight into the decision in his press conference on Friday. "Tough decision for Trent, as it is for Ollie Watkins and Luke Shaw. These decisions come with the job. It's a sporting decision.
“Tino Livramento and Djed Spence can play for us on the right, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin can play up front. “I have a very clear picture of what Ollie can give us, so I want to have a look at two other players to get a better picture and have a clearer opinion.
“The right-backs (we have) offer slightly different profiles (to Alexander-Arnold), the evidence is we were good in September-November than anything from Trent.
“I played many times against him and suffered many times when he played against my teams. I know very well his strengths and what he can give.”
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