Thomas Tuchel Explains Snub to Alexander-Arnold and Watkins

England boss Thomas Tuchel drops Alexander-Arnold and Watkins for friendlies

England boss Thomas Tuchel explains why Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ollie Watkins were left out of England squad.

Alexander-Arnold misses England squad as Tuchel cites 'sporting reasons...'

Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, has explained why he left Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. Alexander-Arnold, 27, hasn't played for England since Tuchel took charge in 2025, and this snub puts his World Cup chances in doubt.

Tuchel cited “sporting reasons” for the decision, opting for Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, and Jarell Quansah at right-back instead. He acknowledged Alexander-Arnold's talent but wants to evaluate other options, having seen the benefits of the current players in camp. “I know it's a tough one, I know it's a big name... but I feel I know what Trent can give us,” Tuchel said.

Heading live to @WembleyStadium to hear from Thomas Tuchel about his first #ThreeLions squad of the year! 🎙️ https://t.co/rtmB5V5nDd

— England (@England) March 20, 2026

Trent Alexander-Arnold's debut season for Real Madrid has been marred by injury issues, but he's been fit since February and has made nine appearances across all competitions. Despite being fit, he wasn't called up by England manager Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel explained his decision, saying, “I know very well what Trent can offer us.” 

In his media conference, our head coach confirmed which players would join the #ThreeLions group later in camp... https://t.co/E7lu5NM212 pic.twitter.com/yDPk4OTlVY

— England (@England) March 20, 2026

“I played many times against him and suffered when he played against my teams with Liverpool. So I know very well about his strength and what he can give.

”But at the moment it is like we have evidence how good we were in September, October, November, and the players who are in camp for right full-back, they have to push for their ticket, they have to compete, they have to show again that they deserve this.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn't played for England since summer 2025, when he came off the bench in a 1-0 win over Andorra. Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is also missing, having scored just three goals in 16 appearances since 2026 started.

“I know that it's a tough decision for Trent as it is for Ollie Watkins at the moment and for Luke Shaw. 

“These tough decisions come with the job. It is a sporting decision.

“It is a sporting decision that we stick with Quansah, with Livramento and with Spence. It is a decision for Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who I don't know as well as I know, for example, Ollie Watkins.

”I feel I have a very clear picture of what Ollie can give us. I saw him in tournaments. I saw him with us in qualifying football, so I want to have a look at two other players to get a better picture and have a clearer opinion.

“I know it's a tough one. I know it's a big name. I think it's a huge talent and with a big career, but I feel that I know what Trent can give us and decided still to stick to the players who were in camp.”

Here we go. It's your #ThreeLions squad for March camp! 👀

— England (@England) March 20, 2026