Gary Lineker questions Thomas Tuchel dropping Trent Alexander-Arnold
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have questioned England manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to omit Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold from his latest 35-man squad.
The former Liverpool right-back was left out of the selection for this month’s World Cup preparation matches against Uruguay and Japan.
Despite injuries to regular options like Reece James, the German coach opted for alternative full-backs including Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, Lewis Hall, and Jarell Quansah.
This high-profile exclusion heavily implies the defender may struggle to secure a place at the upcoming international tournament this summer.
Shearer suggests powerful dynamic theory
Discussing the situation on a podcast, the ex-Newcastle striker proposed a surprising reason for the defensive omission.
Shearer theorised that the manager might be wary of the strong bond between the English defender and his international team-mate Jude Bellingham.
“Would there be a point in Tuchel’s mind where he thinks that if those two are together, I’m not going to play either of them, or may play one of them or one of the other, that then they have an influence on the squad?”
A missed attacking asset
Lineker immediately dismissed his co-host’s theory as bizarre, instead suggesting the decision could be a psychological tactic.
The Match of the Day presenter noted the head coach previously omitted Bellingham, hinting this could simply be another message to his star players.
However, he admitted he could not understand discarding such a unique creative weapon ahead of a major tournament.
“I think without Trent, it lessens your chances slightly, very slightly, even if it’s like half a percent… I can’t see why you wouldn’t want that asset.”
Flourishing in the Spanish capital
Away from international duty, the full-back has cemented himself as a crucial starter at the Bernabeu since his summer departure from Anfield.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently sit four points behind bitter rivals Barcelona in an intense La Liga title race.
They are also preparing for a crucial Champions League quarter-final tie, providing the 26-year-old with ample high-stakes experience.
