Former Arsenal star tells Thomas Tuchel to drop Alexander-Arnold from England World Cup squad as turbulent Madrid spell continues

Former Arsenal defender Vivian Anderson has told Thomas Tuchel to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold from his England squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The 27-year-old joined Real Madrid on an initial free transfer last summer, but they eventually had to pay €10 million (£8.7m) to bring him in ahead of the Club World Cup.

However, Alexander-Arnold has struggled to assert himself in Madrid’s starting XI due to a combination of injury woes and a couple of shambolic performances.

Alexander-Arnold’s defensive woes continue to haunt him at Madrid. He has been criticised for his off-the-ball performances a couple of times already this season.

Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has previously pointed out Alexander-Arnold’s defensive frailties.

However, Anderson has gone a step further to suggest the former Liverpool star shouldn’t be in the World Cup squad.

Alexander-Arnold’s injury problems have reduced him to just 15 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League.

Anderson claims that his inconsistency should cost him a spot in the World Cup squad.

He doubled down by naming Chelsea captain Reece James and Newcastle United’s Valentino Livramento as better options, even though the latter is also struggling with recurring injury problems.

“Trent has had a strange season,” Anderson said (via AS). “He’s been in and out of Real Madrid and isn’t playing regularly. I wouldn’t take him to the World Cup.

“I like Reece James, I have to admit. He’s another player who can play in several positions – he can play in midfield. You’re talking about a World Cup squad, and if I had to choose, I’d probably take him.

“He’s matured and has experience. As another option, I’d put Tino Livramento. He’s young, promising, and very athletic.”

Alexander-Arnold has hardly played for England under Tuchel’s leadership. The German placed Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah ahead of his ex-Liverpool teammate.

The former Chelsea manager has also criticised Alexander-Arnold for prioritising his attacking contributions over his primary defensive responsibilities.

It remains to be seen how Tuchel handles the situation, but missing out on the World Cup would undeniably be a massive blow for the Madrid defender.