Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dream move to Real Madrid is hitting a snag, with Xabi Alonso benching him! England manager Thomas Tuchel has opened up about the “difficult phone call” delivering the news. What does this mean for Alexander-Arnold’s international future?

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s highly anticipated move to Real Madrid this past summer has encountered an unexpected and challenging start, culminating in his recent omission from Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup. The former Liverpool standout, a fan favorite at Anfield, now faces a significant test of adaptation in the demanding environment of Spanish football, struggling to find his footing within a new tactical system.

Reports indicate that Alexander-Arnold has been grappling with his form at the Bernabeu, leading to pivotal decisions by manager Xabi Alonso. His absence from the starting eleven in Real Madrid’s recent victory over Real Oviedo underscores the difficulties he has faced in integrating seamlessly into the team’s dynamics and meeting the high expectations associated with the club.

Adding to the defender’s challenging period, England manager Thomas Tuchel recently disclosed details of a “difficult phone call” with Alexander-Arnold. Tuchel, wanting to deliver the news personally, shared the decision to drop the Real Madrid player from the national squad, a move the player reportedly appreciated, expressing his strong desire to return and represent England.

Tuchel elaborated on his decision, framing it as a highly competitive choice within the England setup. He made it clear that Alexander-Arnold’s current form was a significant factor, citing the impressive performances of other defenders such as Ben White and Tino Livramento, who have showcased stronger contention for a place in the squad.

The England boss further revealed that Ben White, in particular, had a strong chance to be included following an excellent preseason. However, an unfortunate injury ruled him out of contention for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, illustrating the depth and intense competition for defensive roles within the national team.

Tuchel also emphasized his belief that Alexander-Arnold is a player who thrives on confidence and support. He highlighted the importance of feeling “trust and love” from his manager, teammates, club, country, and the fanbase for the player to perform at his peak, suggesting that the current challenging circumstances might be impacting his confidence.

The conversation also touched upon Tuchel’s previous “repulsive” remark concerning Jude Bellingham, with the manager admitting he immediately contacted Bellingham to clarify the comment. This incident underscores Tuchel’s efforts to manage player relationships and maintain a positive team environment amidst high-stakes decisions.

As Trent Alexander-Arnold navigates this complex phase of his career at Real Madrid and seeks to reclaim his spot in the England squad, his journey presents a compelling narrative of adaptation, resilience, and the relentless demands of elite football. The path back to consistent first-team action and international recognition will undoubtedly require significant effort and a return to his renowned form.