Tuchel criticized for benching Alexander-Arnold at the World Cup

England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing another barrage of criticism. This time, it's former England staff member Jamie Carragher who has taken issue with his decision to leave out Trent Alexander-Arnold for the 2026 World Cup. In the pages of a British media outlet, the former Liverpool defender expressed his bewilderment at the tactical choice, calling the situation unreasonable.

Carragher, who earned 37 caps for the Three Lions between 2001 and 2007, was particularly scathing in his remarks. In his view, Alexander-Arnold, widely regarded as one of the world’s best right-backs, deserved a starting berth. The player, accustomed to taking on major offensive responsibilities at club level, could have added another dimension to the team, according to the former international. The controversy comes as England gears up for the tournament. The Three Lions, runners-up in 2018 and 2022, are now targeting the ultimate prize. Some observers are questioning the consistency of Tuchel’s selections, who has already faced scrutiny over mixed results at club level. Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has continued to shine for Liverpool, deepening the puzzlement over his omission from the national team. Bayern Munich has just clinched another German Cup title, a performance that stands in stark contrast to Tuchel’s choices. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a tournament of debate. Between the expectations of supporters and the decisions of coaches, football remains a sport where every call can spark controversy. England, with its squad brimming with talent, will need to strike the right balance to deliver when it matters most.