Carragher and Maguire Weigh In on Trent Alexander-Arnold's England World Cup Omission

Jamie Carragher and Harry Maguire have provided insight into Thomas Tuchel's controversial decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold from England's World Cup squad, with the England manager instead calling up Trevoh Chalobah as a late replacement for the injured Tino Livramento.

Speaking to Sky Sports, former Liverpool defender Carragher suggested that Tuchel prioritises defensive solidity over Alexander-Arnold's attacking talents. "When you look at some of the players in the squad, it almost looks like he's picking centre-backs who can do a job at right-back rather than an out and out right-back," Carragher said. He added that Tuchel is "picking team harmony, togetherness and spirit over quality and talent, and I think this is another decision that proves that."

Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who was also not selected for the squad, offered a different perspective on The Rest is Football podcast. Maguire believes Tuchel deliberately avoided calling up Alexander-Arnold to minimise media distractions. "I do believe (with) the squad, you want to call up somebody with a minimum of fuss, no real media attention or disruption to the camp," Maguire said. "I don't think Trent would've ever been called up because the questions and everything will be about him."

England's right-back options for the World Cup now include Reece James, Djed Spence, and the newly-added Trevoh Chalobah, with Alexander-Arnold not having played for England since June 2025. The decision underscores Tuchel's preference for functional defensive options over individual brilliance, as he continues to reshape the squad in his image.