Thomas Tuchel reveals reason behind brutal Trent Alexander-Arnold England snub

Thomas Tuchel has explained the decision to exclude Trent Alexander-Arnold from his 35-man England squad for two March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn't been included in the latest England squad due to a "sporting decision".

Alexander-Arnold, 27, endured a difficult start to life at Real Madrid following his £10million move from Liverpool last summer, but his form has improved in recent weeks. Indeed, he has started in seven of Real's last 10 matches across all competitions and produced an impressive performance in Tuesday's Champions League Round of 16 second leg win against Manchester City.

However, Tuchel has chosen against including Alexander-Arnold in his 35-man England squad for March's international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

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Explaining the decision to leave Alexander-Arnold out, Tuchel said he already has a clear idea about what he can bring to the camp and has therefore picked other players.

In a press conference at Wembley Stadium on Friday morning, Tuchel said: "No. I know that it's a tough decision for Trent, as it is for Ollie Watkins and Luke Shaw. These tough decisions come with the job.

"It's a sporting decision that we stick with Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento and Djed Spence who can play for us at right-back.

"It is a decision for Dom Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who I don't know as well as Ollie Watkins. I feel I have a very clear picture of what Ollie can give us, so I want to have a look at two other players.

"I know it's a tough one, I know it's a big name. He's a huge talent with a big career, but I feel I know what Trent can give us and decided to stick to the players that we have had in camp."

A shock inclusion to the England camp, meanwhile, was Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Jason Steele, who has been handed a maiden call-up at the age of 35.

"No one is on the plane to America!" said Tuchel on Steele, who hasn't played a single minute in the Premier League this season. "England has a history of taking four goalkeepers to a tournament which absolutely makes sense and we identified Jason to be a very, very good candidate for this role.

"We wanted to trial it and this March camp is the trial."

England face Uruguay in the first friendly on Friday, March 27 at Wembley before welcoming Japan four days later. It's poised to be the Three Lions' final two games on home soil before the start of the World Cup.

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