England manager Thomas Tuchel is extending a potential World Cup lifeline to Trent Alexander-Arnold, planning video calls and visits to fringe players to communicate what they need to do to secure a place in next summer’s squad.
According to a report from The Mirror, England boss Thomas Tuchel is ready to throw Trent Alexander-Arnold a World Cup lifeline despite the Real Madrid right back (27) not featuring in the last three England camps.
Tuchel revealed plans to make a “raft of video calls” to players on the fringes of his 55 to 60-strong long list, with Alexander-Arnold being the star name.
Tuchel is already putting thought into the squad he will take to next summer’s World Cup, even though Chelsea captain Reece James appears “nailed-on” to start at right back.
Tuchel intends to fly to Madrid to visit Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham to ensure every player feels part of the process. This outreach comes as the manager admitted Jarell Quansah is currently ahead of the ex-Liverpool defender.
Speaking on his plans to contact those omitted, Tuchel said: “First of all, it’s my job now to make contact with everyone, players like Trent. Players that are on our long list, 55, 60 players, to reach out to them, be in touch with them, explain to them why they were not here.
Explain to them what they have to do, where they can improve. Can they even do something or is it just a choice. So this is my job in the next weeks and months.”
The England boss showed a preference for in-person communication, stating: “I hate phone calls. Better on FaceTime. Then I see the expression, at least, and get a feeling for the person. Or I need to visit them, visit training, training grounds.”
Regarding Quansah’s edge, Tuchel cited his recent performances and physical attributes: “Of course I have a lot of trust in Jarell. I see his talent but I see the package.
He is tall, he is fast, he is strong in build-up. He is strong in the air. I saw him be very strong playing for Liverpool in this position.
So I always wanted to try. And he plays every minute for Leverkusen since the under-21 Euros. So he is at the moment a tiny bit ahead.” Tuchel affirmed the importance of honest feedback to his players.