There is simply no logical explanation for Thomas Tuchel snubbing Real Madrid superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold from the England national team squad other than Tuchel has it in for Trent and wants to prove some bizarre point in his own proud mind that he is better without Trent, can win without Trent, and that his ideas tactically do not involve the player.
Because literally everyone else in the country, from Wayne Rooney to the fans, cannot fathom England being a better squad without the wide playmaker. Fine if Tuchel thinks his XI is stronger without Trent due to concerns about his defending, which are largely overblown anyway, but it is outrageous for him to believe Trent can't help the team in some way with his technical quality and creativity as a generational talent in the Premier League for Liverpool.
And though it took him some months to get going, Alexander-Arnold is bringing that same quality to the Santiago Bernabeu. The 10 million euro signing from Anfield has been the team's best creator down the stretch with Arda Guler out, producing passes of a level of quality Madridistas have not seen since Toni Kroos - or even David Beckham, as far as crossing goes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold just got even more motivation
Instead, Thomas Tuchel is taking mediocre Tottenham Hotspur fullback Djed Spence - a backup at one of the four worst clubs in the Premier League this season - over a world class starting right back for the biggest club in the entire world, Real Madrid.
But while this blatant snub and disrespect of Trent seems like an insult to Real Madrid by extension, it's actually the best news possible for Real. They don't need to care about Trent upping his value in the World Cup or getting World Cup experience: the blow of not playing for the country is an entirely personal one that is Trent's to bear.
However, because of that, Trent now has even more of a chip on his shoulder to excel at Real Madrid, not only to prove the Liverpool fans who slagged him off out the door despite being a consummate legend for them, but also to prove the rest of the crowd in his country, especially his coach, that he is still an elite player.
Real Madrid stars are always better when they have a point to prove if they are the sort of characters who truly belong at this larger than life club, and there is every indication from what we have seen in this difficult 2025/26 season for the Merengues that Trent is that guy. This extra motivation is going to bear its fruits for Los Blancos in 2026/27.
Add us as a preferred source on Google