
Tuchel Tough Call: Inside Alexander-Arnold England Axe and the Quest for “Spice”
Thomas Tuchel’s difficult phone call with Trent Alexander-Arnold
When Thomas Tuchel picked up the phone this week, he knew it wasn’t going to be an easy conversation. On the other end of the line was Trent Alexander-Arnold, the England defender who just two years ago was hailed as one of the most creative full-backs in world football. The news Tuchel had to deliver was blunt: Trent would not be in his latest England squad.
“It was a difficult phone call,” Tuchel admitted. “I wanted him to hear it directly from me. He appreciated that. Trent was very clear – he’s desperate and keen to come back and play for England.”
It was a moment that summed up the ruthless edge Tuchel is trying to bring to his role as England boss. Sentiment, reputation, past glories – none of it carries much weight. His message is clear: places must be earned, competition must be fierce, and the national team needs a little more “spice.”
A stuttering start at Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold’s omission didn’t come completely out of the blue. His move from Liverpool to Real Madrid this summer was one of the blockbuster transfers of the window, but his early days in Spain have been far from smooth.
He started Los Blancos’ La Liga opener, lasting 68 minutes before being subbed, and then found himself benched for the following match against Real Oviedo. Veteran Dani Carvajal, 33, is still trusted in the right-back role by Carlo Ancelotti, leaving Trent waiting for his chance to truly make his mark in Madrid.
That uncertain club form has filtered into his international chances. Tuchel, in his own words, has no room for passengers.
Reece James, Livramento, and the pecking order

Real Madrid CF v Borussia Dortmund: Quarter Final – FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Tuchel
The England manager made no secret of who currently sits ahead of Alexander-Arnold in his thinking. Reece James, fresh off a strong run with Chelsea and standout performances in England’s last two camps, remains Tuchel’s first choice.
“Reece is at the moment slightly ahead in this position,” Tuchel explained. “Given what he did for us in the last two camps and how he played the Club World Cup with Chelsea.”
Then comes Tino Livramento, who Tuchel praised for his sharpness, rhythm, and versatility – the ability to cover both full-back positions if needed. For Tuchel, Livramento’s dynamism gives him an edge in what he wants this England squad to represent: energy, freshness, unpredictability.
Even Arsenal’s Ben White, who has occasionally slotted in at right-back, was firmly in the conversation. Tuchel admitted he was “very happy” with White’s preseason and would have taken him to this camp had he not suffered an untimely injury.
“Ben White had a very good chance to be with us,” Tuchel revealed. “He started, straight away got injured, that ruined his chances with us. He would’ve had a very good chance.”
The emotional side of the axe
For Alexander-Arnold, this is more than just a tactical snub. His England journey has always been complicated. At Liverpool, his unique role as a playmaking full-back redefined the position – but at international level, questions over his defensive reliability have never gone away.
Tuchel struck an empathetic tone when discussing Trent’s situation, acknowledging that he is a player who thrives on belief.
“First and foremost, I think Trent is a player who needs to feel trust and love from his manager, his team-mates, from his club, his country, and the fans,” Tuchel said. “He needs that.”
That’s not to say Tuchel doubts his ability. But the competition is fierce, and England’s new manager clearly wants to send a message: reputation alone won’t carry you.
England’s September fixtures – and the hunt for “spice”
The timing of the call adds extra sting. England face Andorra at Villa Park on September 6, before a tricky away game in Serbia just three days later. These are matches Tuchel sees as an opportunity to set a tone for his tenure: no complacency, no passengers, and plenty of edge.
“One thing is certain,” a source close to the England camp said. “Tuchel wants edge, bite, and ‘spice’ in his team.”
That word – “spicy” – has become something of a theme. Tuchel wants competition so fierce that every player feels under pressure to deliver. He believes that’s what will push England from a talented team to a winning one.
The road back for Trent
So where does this leave Alexander-Arnold? The short answer: at a crossroads. At 25, he should be entering his prime years. But between adapting to a new life at Real Madrid and trying to win back his England place, he has work to do.
The encouraging part is Tuchel hasn’t closed the door. The England boss stressed that Trent remains very much in contention, and that this decision was made in the spirit of competition rather than exclusion.
For Trent, though, the message is brutal in its simplicity: step up, or risk being left behind.
Final word – Tuchel’s England, Tuchel’s rules
If there’s one thing Thomas Tuchel has made clear in his short time as England manager, it’s that he isn’t afraid of tough calls. Dropping a player of Alexander-Arnold’s profile is exactly the kind of statement that resonates throughout a squad. Nobody is safe.
For some fans, it feels harsh – Trent remains one of the most technically gifted players England has produced in decades. But Tuchel’s priority isn’t sentiment, it’s creating a group that fights for every inch.
And perhaps that’s what England have been missing. Talent has never been in short supply. But edge? Bite? Spice? That, Tuchel believes, is the missing ingredient.
As the Three Lions gear up for September’s fixtures, one thing is certain: under Thomas Tuchel, no place in the squad will ever be guaranteed. And for Trent Alexander-Arnold, the challenge is clear – prove himself in Madrid, fight for his spot, and remind England why his name once seemed undroppable.
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!