Former Arsenal defender Viv Anderson has urged Thomas Tuchel to exclude Trent Alexander-Arnold from his England squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The 27-year-old, who made an initial free transfer to Real Madrid last summer, ultimately saw the club pay €10 million (£8.7m) to secure his arrival before the Club World Cup.
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However, Alexander-Arnold has found it difficult to secure a regular spot in Madrid’s starting lineup, plagued by injuries and a series of disappointing performances.
His defensive issues have continued to shadow him in Spain, leading to criticisms of his off-the-ball work this season.
Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has previously highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s defensive shortcomings.
Now, Anderson has taken it a step further, stating that the former Liverpool star should be left out of the World Cup squad altogether.
Due to persistent injuries, Alexander-Arnold has appeared in only 15 matches across La Liga and the Champions League.
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Anderson argues that his inconsistent form should disqualify him from a spot on the World Cup roster.
He also recommended Chelsea’s captain Reece James and Newcastle United’s Valentino Livramento as stronger alternatives, despite Livramento facing his own injury challenges.
“Trent has had a peculiar season,” Anderson told AS. “He’s been in and out of the lineup at Real Madrid and isn’t getting regular play. I wouldn’t select him for the World Cup.
“I have to say I really like Reece James. He’s versatile and can play in various positions, including midfield. When considering a World Cup squad, I would probably prefer him.
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“He’s gained experience and has matured. As another option, I’d consider Tino Livramento. He’s young, promising, and very athletic.”
Under Tuchel’s management, Alexander-Arnold has seen limited playing time for England. The German coach has prioritized Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah over him.
Moreover, Tuchel has criticized Alexander-Arnold for focusing more on his offensive contributions rather than fulfilling his primary defensive duties.
How Tuchel manages the situation remains to be seen, but missing the World Cup would undoubtedly be a significant setback for the Madrid defender.