Here’s a bold statement: One of England’s most high-profile players might not make it to the World Cup, and it’s sparking a debate that’s dividing fans and experts alike. But here’s where it gets controversial—Thomas Tuchel, England’s head coach, is taking an unprecedented step to personally explain to Trent Alexander-Arnold what it will take for him to reclaim his spot on the national team. Yes, you read that right—Tuchel is planning to visit Alexander-Arnold in person, a move that’s as unusual as it is intriguing.
Alexander-Arnold, a household name with a massive profile, has been notably absent from England’s squad since June. Despite his stellar reputation, he played a minimal role in the team’s flawless qualifying campaign. And this is the part most people miss—his position is now under threat from rising star Jarell Quansah, who made a strong debut in England’s 2-0 win against Albania. Quansah’s emergence adds another layer of complexity to Alexander-Arnold’s already uncertain future with the squad.
Tuchel isn’t just focusing on Alexander-Arnold, though. He’s got a longlist of 55 to 60 players he’s keeping an eye on, and he’s committed to personally reaching out to each one. “It’s my job to make contact with everyone, players like Trent,” Tuchel explained. “I need to explain why they weren’t selected, what they can improve, and whether it’s even within their control. This is my focus for the coming weeks and months.”
When it comes to Quansah, Tuchel didn’t hold back his praise. “I have a lot of trust in Jarell. He’s got the whole package—tall, fast, strong in buildup, and dominant in the air. I’ve seen him excel for Liverpool, and he’s been playing every minute for Leverkusen since the under-21 Euros. Right now, he’s just a tiny bit ahead.”
Tuchel’s to-do list is massive. After naming a 25-player squad for the qualifiers against Albania and Serbia, he’s got to speak to at least 30 players who didn’t make the cut. And he’s not just making phone calls—he prefers FaceTime or, better yet, in-person visits. “I hate phone calls,” he admitted. “FaceTime lets me see their expressions, get a feel for them. Or I’ll visit their training grounds. Why wouldn’t I?”
When asked if he’d travel to Madrid to meet Alexander-Arnold, Tuchel’s response was straightforward: “Why would I not?” He even pointed out that the trip would allow him to meet Jude Bellingham, another key player. “We can do group visits,” he suggested. “Jude and Trent, for example. We’ll visit clubs, make calls—whatever it takes. I think it’s crucial to reach out to everyone, even those we didn’t pick regularly, to give them honest feedback.”
Here’s the controversial question: Is Tuchel’s hands-on approach a sign of dedication or desperation? Some argue that personally visiting players like Alexander-Arnold sets an unrealistic precedent, while others applaud his commitment to transparency. What do you think? Is this the right way to manage a national team, or is Tuchel overstepping? Let’s debate it in the comments—I want to hear your take!
