Steven Gerrard makes Trent Alexander-Arnold feelings clear after latest England snub

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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has expressed his surprise at Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming international friendlies

Steven Gerrard believes Trent Alexander-Arnold should be in the England squad(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has expressed his astonishment at Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission from England's squad for this month's international fixtures. The Real Madrid defender was excluded from Thomas Tuchel's 35-player selection for the friendlies with Uruguay and Japan.

Tino Livramento and Djed Spence were chosen as England's right-back options, with Reece James sidelined through injury. The former Liverpool player hasn't represented his nation since the 1-0 victory against Andorra in June.

When questioned on Saturday about the right-back's absence, Anfield legend Gerrard admitted he believes Alexander-Arnold possesses the quality to feature. "Very much so," he responded on TNT Sports when asked whether Tuchel's choice had caught him off guard (as per the Liverpool Echo).

"Listen, we've got some good options at right-back, Reece James is world class, I really like Livramento, I know he's had a couple of injuries but he can play both sides. I understand the selection, but I just think, 'is Trent among the best 35 players in this country?' Of course he is.

"There's going to be certain games where England have to open the door, they might be against a low block where it's really frustrating and Trent is one of these players who can come off the bench and just completely change the game with one pass, he's that level of a player.

Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn't played for England since June 2025(Image: Getty Images)

"So I am surprised and I'm disappointed for him. But there's a lot of other situations that you've got to take into consideration. How much has he played? Is he physically at his best? Is there stuff going on off the pitch? Is it where he (Tuchel) doesn't want a group of players where those who aren't going to be in the XI that might be different people around the place...

"There's a lot that gets taken into consideration before you select a squad across a six-week period rather than for a one-off game."

Speaking at Friday's press conference, Tuchel shed light on his thinking behind the call. "Tough decision for Trent, as it is for Ollie Watkins and Luke Shaw. These decisions come with the job. It's a sporting decision.

"Tino Livramento and Djed Spence can play for us on the right, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin can play up front. "I have a very clear picture of what Ollie can give us, so I want to have a look at two other players to get a better picture and have a clearer opinion.

"The right-backs (we have) offer slightly different profiles (to Alexander-Arnold), the evidence is we were good in September-November than anything from Trent.

"I played many times against him and suffered many times when he played against my teams. I know very well his strengths and what he can give."