Alexander-Arnold admits anger after Tuchel’s England World Cup call

Trent Alexander-Arnold says he was “completely devastated” after Thomas Tuchel told him he had been left out of England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The Real Madrid defender had been hopeful of selection and said he had deliberately made no plans for the summer because he expected to be part of Tuchel’s squad.

“I knew the calls were happening. Players I know had received theirs the day before. To be honest, I was full of hope,” Alexander-Arnold told the British newspaper the Mirror.

The former Liverpool player was at home in Madrid when he received the call. Some members of his family were visiting, but he went to his bedroom to speak privately to Tuchel.

“When the call came, I was at home in Madrid. I had some family visiting and I went to my bedroom to take the call. When I put the phone down, I was completely devastated. Completely devastated,” he said.

“I hadn’t made any plans for the summer because I was hoping to be in the squad.”

Alexander-Arnold said the decision brought not only disappointment but also anger, and wants England’s coaching staff to understand how deeply the omission affected him.

“I hope the coaching staff expect and understand that I was angry. He wants players who are desperate to play for England. I am one of them,” he said.

“I think he will respect the fact that it really hurt me, and prefer that to me not caring.”

The 27-year-old acknowledged that competition for the right-back position had been particularly strong during his England career.

“We have had a lot of very, very good players in the right-back position in this generation that I have played in so far. There has been a lot of competition, and managers pick who they believe is best for the team,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“That hasn’t been me so far. But I am using it as motivation to improve.”

Unlike some players who have publicly criticised or questioned their omission from international squads, Alexander-Arnold said he saw little value in speaking out immediately after Tuchel’s decision.

“Some things don’t need to be said. I think everyone knew I was disappointed. Speaking publicly would not change the manager’s decision. He has made his choice. There is nothing that will change it. Life goes on,” he said.

Despite missing out, Alexander-Arnold stressed that he remained fully committed to England and would continue to make himself available for selection.

“Until I retire, I am still an England player, whether I am picked or not. I am always available if and when the manager needs me. There is no greater honour,” he said.

“I will take these feelings into this season and turn them into something positive. I want to use them as fuel to get back into the England squad. That is my goal, and I hope I achieve it.”