Gary Lineker has rejected speculation from Alan Shearer that Thomas Tuchel deliberately excluded Trent Alexander-Arnold from England’s World Cup preparations to disrupt a potential clique with Jude Bellingham.
The former England striker labelled the theory “bizarre” during a discussion on The Rest is Football podcast.
Despite dismissing the clique explanation, Lineker expressed concern about the impact of Alexander-Arnold’s absence on England’s tournament prospects, stating that the nation’s hopes of lifting the World Cup trophy would be diminished without the defender.
“What I do know is they are two unbelievably talented and brilliant footballers that have delivered over recent seasons,” Lineker said, referring to both Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham.
“There’s only one man who decides, it’s up to him.”
The 27-year-old full back’s World Cup aspirations suffered a significant setback last week when Tuchel omitted him from an expanded 35-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Japan and Uruguay.
Alexander-Arnold’s involvement under the German manager has been minimal, totalling just 26 minutes of action, with his only appearance coming during a 1-0 victory over Andorra in June.
Gary Lineker has rejected speculation from Alan Shearer that Thomas Tuchel deliberately excluded Trent Alexander-Arnold from England’s World Cup preparations to disrupt a potential clique with Jude Bellingham
|
RESTISFOOTBALL
When explaining the selection, Tuchel indicated that Tino Livramento, Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah, who has since withdrawn, provided a “slightly different profile” to what he was seeking.
The defender’s bond with Bellingham developed during Euro 2024, where the pair were reportedly “inseparable” throughout the tournament.
Their relationship has continued following Alexander-Arnold’s move from Liverpool to Real Madrid this season, though he maintained the friendship played no part in his transfer decision.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham are close friends
| PA
Shearer outlined the theory during the podcast, posing the question directly to Lineker about whether Tuchel might view the pair as too influential together.
“Let me chuck this at you, Jude Bellingham and Trent are a pretty powerful couple,” Shearer said.
“Would there be a point in Tuchel’s mind where he thinks that if those two are together I’m not going to play either of them, or may play one of them – one or the other – that then they have an influence on the squad?”
Wayne Rooney elaborated on the Wayne Rooney Show, suggesting the omission felt significant given Alexander-Arnold’s quality.
“There’s an argument he should be starting, so not having him in the squad, it feels a little bit deeper,” Rooney explained.
“I know he’s good mates with Jude and it looks like there’s been a few issues with Jude, so maybe he feels there’s a clique there and he’s trying to split it up.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold has made just one appearance for England since Thomas Tuchel took charge | PA
Steven Gerrard, who played alongside Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, offered several alternative explanations for the continued snub when speaking on Saturday.
“There’s a lot of other circumstances to take into consideration – how much has he played?” Gerrard questioned. “Is he physically in his best condition? Is there stuff going on off the pitch?”
The former England captain also suggested Tuchel might be wary of including players unlikely to feature in the starting lineup who could become disruptive influences during a six-week tournament camp.
Alexander-Arnold has recently secured regular starts at the Bernabéu, though his standing at the Spanish club was complicated when he was reportedly dropped from their Atlético Madrid derby squad after arriving late to a training session.
