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By MICHAEL PAVITT, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 02: 54 AEDT, 21 March 2026 | Updated: 03: 15 AEDT, 21 March 2026 53 View comments England boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted he is yet to speak to Trent Alexander-Arnold after appearing to end his World Cup hopes by leaving the Real Madrid star out of his latest squad. Alexander-Arnold has not been included in the squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, despite Tuchel selecting an expanded group of 35 players. Addressing Alexander-Arnold's absence, Tuchel stated that Tino Livramento, Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah offer a 'slightly different profile'. Tuchel was later asked on talk SPORT whether he had spoken to Alexander-Arnold. 'Not yet, ' Tuchel replied, before responding 'I don't know' when asked if Alexander-Arnold believes his England career could be over. Alexander-Arnold has played just 26 minutes under Tuchel, with his sole appearance under the England boss coming in a 1-0 win over Andorra last June. Trent Alexander-Arnold's World Cup hopes appear to have been dashed by Thomas Tuchel Alexander-Arnold has split from his girlfriend Estelle Behnke - pictured together at his Real Madrid unveiling The 27-year-old, who has earned 34 caps for England, was part of the Three Lions squad at the last two World Cups. Alexander-Arnold, however, only made a single group stage appearance against Belgium in 2018 and played just 33 minutes against Wales at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Tuchel stressed he has not closed the door to Alexander-Arnold being part of his squad at the World Cup, stating 'I know what Trent can give us'. Last year, Tuchel had highlighted Alexander-Arnold's attacking contributions but expressed concerns over his defending. 'I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions, and gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort, ' Tuchel said last May. ‘I think there is a point to it. This major impact that he had for Liverpool over so many years, if he wants to have this impact in the English national team, then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously. A source said Trent and Estelle 'knew it was for the best' that their relationship ended ‘Because when we are talking, especially, about qualifying football and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100 per cent awake, can be decisive, can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home. ' The latest snub for Alexander-Arnold comes one day after it was revealed he had split from his girlfriend Estelle Behnke following 18 months together. The pair first sparked dating rumours in November 2024, but sources have shared they've decided to amicably end their relationship. Estelle, 25, who works as a lifestyle influencer, helped Alexander-Arnold settle into his new life in Spain after his move to Real Madrid. A source told the Sun: 'The break-up was tough but both Trent and Estelle knew it was for the best. 'They shared some special times. But they go their separate ways full of love and thanks for their experiences together. 'They are both busy people and came to the sad realisation that the relationship just wouldn't last long term. '
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