Thomas Tuchel's decision to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold from England's squad for the 2026 World Cup is unexpectedly benefiting Real Madrid . While the "Three Lions" are suffering a bitter defeat at the biggest tournament on the planet, the Bernabeu club is quietly reaping the rewards of the German strategist's indifference towards the 1998-born defender.
England's thorny dilemma at the 2026 World Cup .
Thomas Tuchel's personnel decisions quickly revealed their limitations when Reece James suffered an injury, leaving a significant gap on the right flank. England lacked quality crosses to serve Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, leaving the attacking stars constantly without the ball.
Furthermore, with Declan Rice single-handedly handling the midfield, the absence of a top-class playmaker like Trent Alexander-Arnold deprived England of their most effective weapon: escaping pressure and creating chances from afar.
Anger turned into motivation under Jose Mourinho.
However, this estrangement at the national team level became a powerful source of energy for Real Madrid. After a trophyless first season at the Bernabeu, Alexander-Arnold returned to the squad in peak physical condition and with a strong determination for revenge.
In particular, under the guidance of coach Jose Mourinho — famous for his ability to transform his players' anger into fighting spirit — the English star is undergoing a remarkable transformation. He plays with more flair and composure, displaying a fighting spirit similar to icons like Sergio Ramos or Cristiano Ronaldo in the past.
Furthermore, the arrival of new signing Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan did not deter Alexander-Arnold. On the contrary, the competition at the Valdebebas training center further motivated the defender to maintain his consistent form and high level of confidence.
Los Blancos' key tactical weapon.
In the current tactical scheme, coach Jose Mourinho actively builds the ball distribution around Alexander-Arnold's through passes. His accurate long balls directed towards Kylian Mbappe and other young players are making Los Blancos' playing style more dynamic and unpredictable.
Overall, not participating in the 2026 World Cup has inadvertently created a more complete and ambitious version of Alexander-Arnold. Thomas Tuchel's decision may have cost England dearly, but it has inadvertently given Real Madrid a crucial player in their quest for trophies this season.