Thomas Tuchel sends stark warning to Trent Alexander-Arnold before Liverpool exit

Thomas Tuchel has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold he could cost his country World Cup glory unless he improves defensively

England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a stark warning to departing Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold about his defensive duties. Although Alexander-Arnold is included in Tuchel's squad for the forthcoming fixtures against Andorra and Senegal, having missed out on the March camp due to injury, the German tactician has firmly reminded the right-back of the high stakes ahead of his move to Real Madrid in the summer.

Known as one of football's most inventive defenders, Alexander-Arnold's defensive mishaps have not gone unnoticed.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot acknowledged on Friday that the 26-year-old "could do a bit more, to say it mildly" in training to hone his skills, while also arguing he is a finer defender than often credited.

In discussing England duties, Tuchel highlighted the need for improvement from Alexander-Arnold but expressed eagerness to work closely with him.

Tuchel said: "I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions, and gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort."

He further stressed: "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."

Moreover, Tuchel pointed out the critical nature of being fully alert in matches, saying: "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.

"We will take all of this into account, but now is the time to get to know him. I know him. I've played against him. I've had phone calls with him.

"But now is the time to spend nine or 10 days with him, to see how he fits in with the squad, what he can do, what he can contribute, and then we'll take it from there."

Alexander-Arnold is anticipated to join fellow England international Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.

Despite a persistent shoulder injury that requires surgery after Madrid's participation in the Club World Cup concludes, Bellingham has been included in Tuchel's squad.

Tuchel has criticised the Spanish giants for prioritising their own needs over their players by postponing surgery on an injury first sustained in 2023.

"He always wants to come - they all want to come," Tuchel said about Bellingham's eagerness to play even against weaker teams.

"Jude always wants to come. He has been playing for many months - perhaps too long - with this issue. He plays with this massive shoulder strap under his shirt.

"I understand that he will participate in the Club World Cup, and then at some point undergo surgery.

"From a purely medical perspective, the surgery should have happened yesterday. They keep delaying it because of Jude's importance."

Alexander-Arnold's 20-year Liverpool career will come to an end on Sunday (May 25). The Reds will receive the Premier League trophy after the match against Crystal Palace at Anfield.