'He Is A Tiny Bit Ahead'- Tuchel Explains Why Real Madrid Star Trent is Behind Quansah in England Pecking Order

England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he will consider travelling to Spain to personally speak with Trent Alexander-Arnold about his international prospects, as the Real Madrid star remains firmly on the fringes of the squad.1

The 27-year-old right-back has not featured for his country since a brief 26-minute substitute appearance during a 1-0 win against Andorra last June. That remains his only cap under the German manager.

The World Cup in America looming next summer and only two March friendlies remaining on the calendar, the pressure is mounting. Tuchel has now indicated he will sit down with the former Liverpool defender as part of a wider initiative to connect with his extended squad.2

“First of all, it's my job now to make contact with everyone, players like Trent,” said Tuchel after Sunday's final qualifying win in Albania as per Daily Mail.

“Players that are on our long list, 55 or 60 players, to reach out to them, be in touch with them, explain to them why they were not here.

“Explain to them what they have to do, where they can improve. Can they even do something or is it just a choice? So this is my job in the next weeks and months.”

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

While the logistical challenge of meeting with 60 players seems vast, Alexander-Arnold is arguably the most high-profile name currently excluded from the England setup.

When asked directly if he would make the trip to visit the Real Madrid man, Tuchel was open to the idea, suggesting he could even combine the visit.

“Why would I not? We can do group visits. We can do Jude Bellingham and Trent together. And visit the clubs. And some of them we will call.

“But I hate phone calls. It's better on FaceTime. Then I see the expression, at least, and get a feeling for the person.

“Or I need to visit them. Visit training, training grounds. Let's see. Listen, we've just finished this camp and I think it's important that I reach out to everyone, even to the guys we didn't pick so regularly, to tell them where they are and give them honest feedback."

Despite Tuchel's willingness to talk, the path back to the squad looks challenging for Alexander-Arnold. Chelsea’s Reece James is the manager's preferred choice at right-back, though his injury record remains a concern.3

Tellingly, in Sunday’s match in Tirana, the position was filled by Alexander-Arnold’s former Liverpool team-mate, Jarell Quansah.4 The young defender, currently starring on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, has deeply impressed the England boss.

“I have a lot of trust in Jarell,” Tuchel said.

“I see his talent but I see the package. He is tall, he is fast, he is strong in build-up. He is strong in the air.

“I saw him very strong playing for Liverpool in this position so I always wanted to try.

“And he plays every minute for Bayer Leverkusen since the under-21 Euros. So he is at the moment a tiny bit ahead."

Tuchel, who will attend the World Cup draw in Washington in early December, admitted his frustration at the long four-month gap until he next sees his players.5

“It hurts me, honestly,” he said. “I told the players that I have to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year now.

“I cannot believe it and, in my heart, everything of me wants to be with the guys on Wednesday again. To be on the sidelines and fight and Saturday again. They sucked me into all of this. This is just amazing. It will be very tough for me to not have a match until March.'

England's flawless qualifying campaign, boasting eight wins and eight clean sheets, is the best in Europe.6 This has inevitably positioned them as one of the pre-tournament favourites for next summer.

Asked if England's dominant form had 'intimidated' their global rivals, Tuchel remained focused on his team's internal standards.

"Hopefully. But I think it's more important that we are aware of what we can do, what makes us strong and that everyone has a clear idea of how we want to defend, how we want to attack, how do we want to help each other.

“We just have to accept that not everything can be perfect. Because we have sometimes only one and a half training sessions to prepare matches... But the commitment to accept mistakes, the commitment after ball losses … to put the head down, to just run. This has been outstanding through the last camps and I think you can feel it.

“This is what I talked about and I hope that somehow we make it so that you watch this team and you feel like: 'Wow. They really mean it.''

Tuchel concluded with high praise for his squad's character and their response following a "little dip in summer."

“I knew it is a privilege to work with these players because I love their character and their attitude and how they are shaped. We had a little dip in summer but then the way we reacted and built from there in the three camps was just outstanding.

“So full credit to the players for their commitment and it makes me of course very happy and very proud.”