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Tuchel Omits Alexander-Arnold, Rooney Calls Decision Mind-Boggling

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

England manager Thomas Tuchel omitted Trent Alexander-Arnold from the squad for the friendlies versus Uruguay and Japan; Wayne Rooney called the decision “mind-boggling”.
Alexander-Arnold has been a starter for Real Madrid returning from an injury in January.
Ben White started games and scored England’s opener in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
Tuchel also selected Tino Livramento, Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa while Reece James missed the friendlies with an injury.

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Story summary

England manager Thomas Tuchel omitted Trent Alexander-Arnold from the squad for the friendlies versus Uruguay and Japan; Wayne Rooney called the decision “mind-boggling”.
Alexander-Arnold has been a starter for Real Madrid returning from an injury in January.
Ben White started games and scored England’s opener in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
Tuchel also selected Tino Livramento, Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa while Reece James missed the friendlies with an injury.