9 hours ago
37
John Barnes has admitted he was surprised by Thomas Tuchel’s decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold from the current England squad.
The former Liverpool defender was not selected despite his recent high-profile move to Real Madrid, with Tuchel instead opting for Reece James and Tino Livramento as the right-backs for the matches against Andorra and Serbia.
Tuchel admitted James, who he worked with at Chelsea, is ahead of Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order, adding the new Real defender needs to “settle and find his rhythm” in the Spanish capital.
It’s a decision that Barnes, who earned 79 England caps during his playing days, found surprising.
“I have to say I was surprised, even though he hadn’t played much and hasn’t hit the ground running at Real Madrid,” the former winger told Liverpool.com at a PICO event in Liverpool city center. “Thomas Tuchel has said that Reece James is the one who's going to play there.
“I don't necessarily think a right-back position is a position that is too influential like if you leave out a no.10 or a goal scorer.
“But a right-back position is something that you can cope with. Yeah, I'm surprised he isn't in the squad, but I don't think that's as much of an issue.”
Tuchel’s start to life as Three Lions boss has not been convincing, with lacklustre showings against Latvia and Andorra, followed by a 3-1 loss to Senegal in June.
The German coach will hope for two improved performances in the coming days, starting at Villa Park on Saturday when Andorra is the visitor. But Barnes admits he has some sympathy for Tuchel, given how little time he has to work with the players.
“It was always going to be a comedown after Gareth [Southgate],” said the former Liverpool star. “They maximized their potential to do really well; it's a new manager getting used to it. We still have the same players, but they're getting used to Thomas Tuchel's new way of playing and new ideas.
“I think we're just having a few teething problems of him getting the team that he actually wants and how they want to play, the players understanding what they want from him because he's changing things.
“You get them for one week before they play and how are you going to put a pattern or a system into place?
“So international managers are about just massaging your ego, letting them go and letting them play, which Gareth was very good at. Whereas Thomas Tuchel warns them: ‘this is how I want us to play’.
“But if you’re only getting them five times a year, for a week, it's difficult. So there are certain managers that are suited to club football and some for international football.”
Barnes was speaking to Liverpool.com in association with Premier League player, PICO and Rezzil.
“PICO 4 Ultra Deal: FREE Motion Trackers + Premier League Player Pass—Kick Like a Pro in VR!
Step into the match—PICO 4 Ultra’s exclusive Motion Trackers let you actually kick the ball in VR. Buy now & get the trackers + Premier League Player season pass FREE!”
English (US) ·