Image Credits: Imago Images
Wayne Rooney has voiced serious concerns about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s international future after the former Liverpool right-back was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.
Alexander-Arnold was the most notable omission from the 35-man roster, while Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo received their first call-ups under Tuchel.
“I know it’s a tough decision for Trent as it is for Ollie Watkins and Luke Shaw,” said Tuchel. “These tough decisions come with the job. It’s a sporting decision. We stick with Quansah, Livramento and Spence.
“I want to have a look at other players to get a clearer picture. I know it’s a big name, a huge talent and big career. But I know what Trent can give us.”
Rooney believes Alexander-Arnold may have already been permanently dropped from Thomas Tuchel’s plans ahead of the World Cup. Alexander-Arnold has been a regular for the Three Lions since 2018, making his omission from such a large squad particularly striking.
Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said: “The one big surprise, obviously, was Trent. I find it incredible that he’s not in a 35-man squad. It didn’t sound like there was any way back for Trent in the squad, the way Thomas Tuchel spoke.”
Rooney insists Alexander-Arnold offers a unique skill set that no other English player can match. After a period of adjustment following his move to Real Madrid, the 27-year-old has cemented himself as a key performer for the Spanish giants.
“But he should be in that squad. Look at his ability, his quality – I know he’s not the best defender, he’ll probably admit that himself,” Rooney added.
“But what he has on the ball is something no other English player has. He’s been playing for Real Madrid recently and playing really well.
“I think sometimes we judge players too quickly and I’ve been guilty of that myself. You don’t know how difficult it was for him to go over there to settle in and he picked up a few injuries as well.
“There’s an argument that he should start for England. So to not have him in the squad, it feels a little bit deeper from Tuchel.
“Now I know he’s close with Jude [Bellingham] and it looks like there’s been a few issues with Jude not being in the squad of late.
“So maybe Tuchel feels there’s a clique there and he’s trying to split that up. I don’t know, I don’t know what the reasons are.”
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