Just in: Thomas Tuchel drops Real Madrid superstar from England World Cup squad | OneFootball

The move to Real Madrid was supposed to mark the beginning of a new chapter for Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

Instead, the defender’s first season in Spain has now ended with one of the biggest disappointments of his career.

According to reports emerging from The Athletic, the Real Madrid full-back has been left out of England’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by manager Thomas Tuchel.

The inevitable

The decision confirms what many had already begun to suspect in recent months. 

This is because Alexander-Arnold had gradually fallen down the international pecking order after struggling to fully convince during his debut campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Notably, earlier this year, Tuchel omitted the defender from the enlarged group selected for international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, a move that many viewed as an early warning sign ahead of the World Cup.

Alexander-Arnold will not play at the World Cup. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Now, the final decision has officially arrived and the Real Madrid defender will not be travelling with England this summer.

Difficult first season

Alexander-Arnold’s adaptation to Spanish football never truly developed with the consistency many expected when he arrived from Liverpool.

Although the Englishman still showed flashes of his creativity and attacking quality, the overall campaign proved difficult. 

As such, injuries disrupted his rhythm at important moments of the season, while questions also emerged regarding his defensive role inside the team.

Alexander-Arnold did not convince many in his debut season with Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The right-back has managed just five assists across 30 appearances in all competitions, numbers that fell below expectations considering his reputation as one of Europe’s most productive attacking defenders.

Finally, Real Madrid’s disappointing collective campaign also increased scrutiny around several players, including the English international. 

Finishing the season without silverware only intensified outside criticism and made it harder for individuals to escape pressure.

Notably, in Alexander-Arnold’s place, Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence is expected to be called up.