Ouch! Trent Alexander-Arnold left out of the England squad again, and a Spanish football expert isn’t holding back on why. Is his move from Liverpool FC to a new club proving more challenging than expected? Hear the blunt assessment and what it means for his future with Xabi Alonso.
The latest England national team squad announcement has sent ripples through the football world, notably for the surprising inclusions and significant omissions, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence drawing particular attention amidst his recent club struggles.
Manager Thomas Tuchel unveiled a 24-man squad for the upcoming double-header, marking a significant milestone for Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence, who both received their inaugural senior call-ups. Anderson, a midfielder, steps up after a prominent role in England’s Under-21 Euros triumph, while uncapped Tottenham full-back Spence also earned a coveted spot.
However, the squad announcement was equally defined by those left out. Beyond Trent Alexander-Arnold, high-profile players such as Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, and Ivan Toney were not included. Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire continued to be overlooked, while key figures like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Levi Colwill were unavailable due to injury.
Alexander-Arnold’s exclusion from the England national team adds another layer of complexity to what has been a challenging period for the 26-year-old. Following an emotional free transfer departure from Liverpool FC at the end of last season, he has been striving to adapt to a new environment and win the trust of his new manager, Xabi Alonso.
Amidst these struggles, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has voiced a stark warning regarding Alexander-Arnold’s future prospects, particularly in a new footballing landscape. Balague highlighted a prevailing narrative within the Spanish media concerning the player’s perceived temperament and fit.
According to Balague, the Spanish media’s perception is that Trent Alexander-Arnold is “too shy” and “doesn’t fit in,” suggesting that established players like Dani Carvajal are seen as more readily adaptable to what Xabi Alonso demands. He emphasized that Carvajal possesses an immediate understanding and execution of the manager’s philosophy, whereas Alexander-Arnold “needs an education on what he needs to do.”
This latest England snub only exacerbates Alexander-Arnold’s battle to regain form and secure his place, not only on the international stage but also within his new club under Xabi Alonso. The pressure mounts for the former Liverpool FC star to demonstrate his versatility and commitment to adapting his game to meet the rigorous demands of elite European football, a challenge keenly observed by football experts.