Former England Coach Urges Tuchel to Decide on Alexander-Arnold’s Role for World Cup

Thomas Tuchel faces a clear selection decision over Trent Alexander‑Arnold ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Alexander‑Arnold has not started for England since October 2024 and was omitted from Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming fixtures against Serbia and Albania. He last played for England in May, and his most recent start for the national team was more than a year ago. Injury kept him unavailable during the October break, and although he is now fit, Tuchel appears concerned about his match sharpness after limited minutes at Real Madrid.

The defender has been included in Xabi Alonso’s recent matchday squads but has seen little action, coming on late in one game and remaining unused in two others.

Former England manager Sam Allardyce has urged Tuchel to start Alexander‑Arnold at left‑back at the World Cup and offered his preferred lineup. He said: “The formation has to be a 4-3-3, but with a rotating front formation, which means the front players can rotate into each and every position to confuse the opposition.

“For example, if we play Cole Palmer on the left, he doesn’t have to stay there. Foden and Palmer can rotate, and they can react off each other.

“It’s freedom when they’re in possession, it means they don’t have to complain that they can only play down the left.”

Allardyce added: “With that, the starting eleven has to be this: Pickford in goal, James, Stones if he’s fit, Guehi, and Trent at left-back.

“People might not like Trent in that position, but a right-footed winger plays on the left all the time and vice versa, and nobody moans about that, and he’s experienced.

“For midfield, it has to be Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, if he’s actually trying. He might need a kick up the backside to get him going. It’d be hard not to include Foden in the midfield three as well.

“Then it’s Palmer, Saka, and it still has to be Harry Kane up front.”

Tuchel must now weigh Alexander‑Arnold’s experience and versatility against concerns over his recent playing time when naming his World Cup squad and the starting XI.