Wayne Rooney has expressed bewilderment regarding Thomas Tuchel’s decision to exclude Trent Alexander-Arnold from the England setup as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Despite the defender’s return to form with Real Madrid following a thigh injury, the national team manager has omitted him from four consecutive squads. During his podcast on Thursday, the former Three Lions captain scrutinized the selection of Ben White over the ex-Liverpool star, while also noting the inclusion of alternatives like Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, and Ezri Konsa for the upcoming pre-tournament friendlies.
Wayne Rooney has expressed bewilderment regarding Thomas Tuchel’s decision to exclude Trent Alexander-Arnold from the England setup as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Despite the defender’s return to form with Real Madrid following a thigh injury, the national team manager has omitted him from four consecutive squads. During his podcast on Thursday, the former Three Lions captain scrutinized the selection of Ben White over the ex-Liverpool star, while also noting the inclusion of alternatives like Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, and Ezri Konsa for the upcoming pre-tournament friendlies.
While Rooney acknowledged he still views a healthy Reece James as the premier choice for the right-back position, he voiced skepticism regarding the overall defensive solidity of the current options.
“No disrespect to Ben White – I think he’s a fantastic player – but for him to be in the squad and playing ahead of Trent is mind-boggling,” Rooney said. “Reece James isn’t the most defensive. In terms of the lads who are there, you wouldn’t say they’re the best defensively anyway.”
While Rooney acknowledged he still views a healthy Reece James as the premier choice for the right-back position, he voiced skepticism regarding the overall defensive solidity of the current options.
“No disrespect to Ben White – I think he’s a fantastic player – but for him to be in the squad and playing ahead of Trent is mind-boggling,” Rooney said. “Reece James isn’t the most defensive. In terms of the lads who are there, you wouldn’t say they’re the best defensively anyway.”
