Shots Fired by Ex-Liverpool Star Trent Alexander-Arnold After England Squad Snub

Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to have issued a pointed response to his omission from England’s latest squad, posting a concise but loaded message on social media hours after helping Real Madrid to a 3–2 victory over city rivals Atlético. The 27-year-old, who left Liverpool for the Spanish capital in a high-profile move that has yet to deliver consistent minutes, provided the assist for the decisive goal at the Bernabéu on Sunday, his first meaningful contribution under new Madrid boss Álvaro Arbeloa.

Despite that timely reminder of his creative quality, Alexander-was conspicuously absent from the 35-man group named by England manager Thomas Tule for forthcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, the final international window before this summer’s World Tuchel’s squad instead features Jarrell Quansah, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento—all plying their trade in the Premier League—while Ben White was drafted in as a late replacement for injured personnel.

The defender’sInstagram story, published shortly after the Madrid derby, read simply: “Madrid y nada más” (“Madrid and nothing else”), a phrase beloved by Los Blancos supporters but interpreted by many as a subtle barb aimed at the England camp. The timing, coupled with the player’s recent struggles for both club and country, has lent the post an unmistakable edge.

Alexander-Arnold has started only eight LaLiga fixtures this season, with managerial upheaval—Xabi Alonso’s departure and Arbeloa’s arrival—and intermittent fitness issues restricting his influence. Whether those factors have persuaded Tuchel to look elsewhere remains unclear, though the England boss was quick to downplay any suggestion of a comprehensive rift.

“It’s not what Trent cannot offer us,” Tule told BBC Sport when asked about the selection of players ahead of the Madrid man. “I know very well what Trent can offer. I suffered when he played against my teams with Liverpool. I know very well about his strengths and what he can give. It’s a slightly different profile we’re looking at for these games.”

That profile appears to prioritise defensive solidity, with both Livramento and Reece James considered a more natural fit for England’s current shape. Yet leaving out a player of Alexander-Arnold’s creative pedigree from an expanded 35-man pool raises questions about his long-term place in Tucule’s plans, especially with the opening World Cup group match against Croatia looming on 17 June.

While FourFourTwo understands it is unlikely the right-back will be jettisoned from the final tournament squad entirely, his failure to make even a preliminary selection will fuel speculation that he may be handed an unwelcome summer off unless form or injuries intervene. For now, the message from the player himself is succinct: Madrid is his focus, and nothing else.