Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up about his disappointment after being left out of England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has broken his silence on his omission from England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that he was “properly gutted” after receiving the call informing him that he would not be travelling to North America.
The Real Madrid defender was one of the most notable absentees from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad after failing to secure a place among the manager’s preferred right-back options.
Alexander-Arnold’s exclusion came after a difficult first season in Spain following his high-profile move from Liverpool to Real Madrid.
His limited involvement under Tuchel also contributed to growing uncertainty over his international future.
However, England’s right-back position became a major talking point during the World Cup, particularly after injuries and suspensions forced Tuchel to make changes to his defensive options.
Despite England progressing to the semi-finals, Alexander-Arnold’s absence remained a subject of discussion among supporters and pundits.
Alexander-Arnold admits he was ‘properly gutted’
The defender revealed that he remained hopeful of making the final squad until he received the decisive phone call from the England management.
Speaking to Mirror Sport, Alexander-Arnold admitted that the news was particularly difficult because of his strong desire to represent his country at the World Cup.
He said, “I’ll be honest, I was full of hope. When I put the phone down, I was properly gutted. I hope the coaching staff would expect and understand that I was angry about it.
“I’d made no plans for my summer because I hoped I’d be in the squad.”
Rather than allowing the disappointment to end his international ambitions, Alexander-Arnold insisted that he remains fully committed to England.
The defender also appeared to respond directly to the standards expected by Tuchel, who has repeatedly emphasised the importance of players showing a strong desire to represent the national team.
“The manager wants players who are desperate to play for England. I’m one of those,” Alexander-Arnold declared.
He added, “Until I retire, I’m still an England player, whether I’m selected or not.”