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Trent Alexander-Arnold has been dealt a fresh blow in his first months as a Real Madrid player, after the ex-Liverpool man was once again left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.
The 27-year-old has played just 26 minutes under Tuchel since he took charge of the Three Lions at the start of the year and has now been omitted from the last three squads.
Alexander-Arnold was unable to meet up with the group last month due to a hamstring injury but, now fit once again, has been overlooked by the former Chelsea boss, as was the case in September.
Tuchel has selected Reece James and Djed Spence ahead of Alexander-Arnold in his latest squad.
It means the right-back’s chances of making the World Cup squad look increasingly unlikely. After November’s fixtures, there are just two more friendly games in March before Tuchel selects the group that flies to North America for next summer’s tournament.
Despite that, Tuchel said on Friday that there could still be a place at the World Cup for those not named in the last three squads.
“I will also be open because I know anything can happen. You don't wish for injuries but it can happen in short notice,” said the German.
“I think it's important for me to reconnect after these three camps with all 55 to 60 players on the long list and be in close contact and see them, meet them and text them.
“We have to stay open-minded because young players can come through — those who are struggling for minutes can play important roles for their clubs.
“I need to make sure the door is always open and they are on their toes. The final nomination is only in May and until then, anything can happen.”
Alexander-Arnold’s latest exclusion is compounded by Tuchel’s decision to recall Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham to the England squad, having omitted the pair for the last roster.
The decision continues Alexander-Arnold’s fractious relationship with the England national team. Despite being considered among the world’s best right-backs in recent years, the former Red has earned just 34 caps for the Three Lions.
It comes after what has been a difficult week for the Real star, who returned to Anfield on Wednesday for the first time since his acrimonious departure over the summer.
He was booed by the home fans in the Champions League encounter against Liverpool and was introduced for the final nine minutes of the encounter.
Alexander-Arnold has also struggled to hold down a starting berth at the Bernabeu since arriving last summer and started just half of Real’s La Liga fixtures before his injury absence.
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