Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire were two standout omissions from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup
Harry Maguire says Trent Alexander-Arnold's latest England snub was to avoid sparking disruption. The German head coach opted to call-up Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah after right-back Tino Livramento was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury.
It was the latest omission for the former Liverpool defender as he continues to find himself left in the cold. The 27-year-old has made 34 appearances for the Three Lions but his last and only outing under the ex-Bayern Munich boss came in a 1-0 win over Andorra in June 2025.
Injury problems have restricted Alexander-Arnold's availability for England but he shrugged them off and returned to the Real Madrid fold for the second half of the campaign to stake his claim for a spot on the plane to North America. However, Tuchel has faced scrutiny over the decision to leave the Champions League and Premier League-winner out, as many feel he is one of England's brightest creative sparks.
Chalobah, a central defender by trade, steps in to replace the Newcastle defender. Maguire, who was also left out of the England squad, felt that the Chelsea stopper's inclusion was a ploy to avoid creating unnecessary hysteria on the eve of their group opener.
Maguire admitted that with high-profile England decisions, they can cause disruption surrounding preparations but the Manchester United defender didn't elude to a rift between Alexander-Arnold or Tuchel, nor does the 28-year-old have that impact on the squad.
Speaking on the Rest is Football, he said: "When someone drops out like that, I do believe (with) the squad, you want to call up somebody with a minimum of fuss, no real media attention or disruption to the camp.
"So I do believe when someone did get injured, I don't think Trent would've ever been called up because the questions and everything will be about him, if it's a big game, it's about Croatia.
"If he called me up, it (the questions) would be about me, Luke Shaw the same, we've been to tournaments and play for big clubs, that's what you want when you bring someone up on standby. Congratulations to Trevoh, I hope he has an impact on the squad."
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With the tournament almost a week old, England finally get their campaign underway when they take on Croatia in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
After the Three Lions lost in each of their last two finals in the European Championships, the focus is on whether Tuchel can guide England to a feat they haven't managed in 60 years.
But the 52-year-old has faced scrutiny surrounding his squad selection with a host of notable absentees including Alexander-Arnold and Maguire.
But he said: "We called Trevoh Chalobah because then we free up Jarell Quansah as full-back on both sides and Djed Spence can play both sides as full-back, so Trevoh comes as a centre back alternative and gives us full coverage in the back four."
Tuchel said previously that the former Liverpool defenders' omission was sporting, with claims of a personal grudge now lingering. He said: "We had a call. I tried to explain the situation but Trent just has to accept it.
"I know that it creates noise when you leave a player like Trent out. It's a sportive choice and a difficult choice. Maybe it's unfair to a certain degree but these choices have to be made."
Sukaosuyz
0
I suggest you do the same. Where's the foul language? Instead of trying to insult me, why not share your opinion the same way I did? He said the coach is trying to avoid questions and arguments surrounding his decision but why should he care if he believes he's making the right decision? If he believes Trent or Harry is the right choice why should he go for Trevor just to avoid confrontation if he genuinely believes they're better options? Mcquire is just making excuses because he didn't get called up either.
You are useless you. Use common sense to read and understand really. Not everyone saying you wrote shit from your mind of nonsense
Voeenoprsz
0
Leaving trent out really felt weird. I know he cant defend but he could be useful when trailing
realest_jam1
0
Nonsense Harry, you should call your next best player not call somebody to avoid talking about a next player. Why do you think they would talk about you and Trent but not about Trevor? That's just coping mechanism but dishonesty. He only gets away with these excuses because he has many options. Some countries don't have that luxury and he would have to figure it out if it was a country that depends on Trent.
Personally I don't think so. I would say it depends on what the coach wants him to do and if he can do it better than the two. Other than that, man for man he's not. To be honest only the manager can explain (honestly) why he thinks he's a better option than the two because I don't see it.
DMICHAELSinc
0
Dude has to win this world cup after leaving out players that know the national team so well, and very experience🧠👈
DMICHAELSinc
0
Nonsense Harry, you should call your next best player not call somebody to avoid talking about a next player. Why do you think they would talk about you and Trent but not about Trevor? That's just coping mechanism but dishonesty. He only gets away with these excuses because he has many options. Some countries don't have that luxury and he would have to figure it out if it was a country that depends on Trent.
I agree with you. I would like to ask though. Is Chaloba better than Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold??
realest_jam1
0
Nonsense Harry, you should call your next best player not call somebody to avoid talking about a next player. Why do you think they would talk about you and Trent but not about Trevor? That's just coping mechanism but dishonesty. He only gets away with these excuses because he has many options. Some countries don't have that luxury and he would have to figure it out if it was a country that depends on Trent.
I suggest you do the same. Where's the foul language? Instead of trying to insult me, why not share your opinion the same way I did? He said the coach is trying to avoid questions and arguments surrounding his decision but why should he care if he believes he's making the right decision? If he believes Trent or Harry is the right choice why should he go for Trevor just to avoid confrontation if he genuinely believes they're better options? Mcquire is just making excuses because he didn't get called up either.
Wiwaoptz
0
Nonsense Harry, you should call your next best player not call somebody to avoid talking about a next player. Why do you think they would talk about you and Trent but not about Trevor? That's just coping mechanism but dishonesty. He only gets away with these excuses because he has many options. Some countries don't have that luxury and he would have to figure it out if it was a country that depends on Trent.
The problem we are having right now is not reading but it’s reading to understand and I can’t see you doing that, try and understand the verdict before using foul language’s or rather go back to school
Hedacinprt
0
Thomas Tuchel's don't like man UTD fc
✨Jeremy✨
3
I "doubt" England will win the cup, because we have "Thomas" as coach
Tihiklnyz
0
Harry Maguire wanted to be selected to go and score own goals when international cameras are viewing him
Sisabenrtu
1
MAGUIRE you should no the reason why the GERMAN coach did not pick him. My opinion regarding your selections is very difficult as most national teams are very strong and the coach been told you cant handle. Much of the English fans were very happy not to be chosen as they need the cup not you. Anyway pray for those who are selected. ALL THE BEST ENGLAND TEAM.
Chris818
1
Trent will win the Ballon d’Or
Chrismaris1
0
Tuchel go have fun and come back home, you are not lifting any trophy with that squad
Sabbitu
4
I agree with Harry. He is spot in with the reasons why either of them never got the call up.
Bepcisuyz
2
Why is the fridge still talking
vomabklnou
2
What did you smoke Maguire
realest_jam1
1
Nonsense Harry, you should call your next best player not call somebody to avoid talking about a next player. Why do you think they would talk about you and Trent but not about Trevor? That's just coping mechanism but dishonesty. He only gets away with these excuses because he has many options. Some countries don't have that luxury and he would have to figure it out if it was a country that depends on Trent.
jawekmrtuz
2
Harry Maguire Shut up
jawekmrtuz
0
shut up Harry Maguire