England fans spot Thomas Tuchel’s clear dig at Trent Alexander-Arnold live on ITV before Croatia clash

England fans think Thomas Tuchel aimed a clear dig at Trent Alexander-Arnold minutes before the Three Lions’ Nations League clash against Croatia in Rijeka.

Tuchel handed Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott his first start alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield, with stalwarts Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka all in from the start.

Jordan Pickford returned to the side after James Trafford was given the nod in England’s two previous matches against Spain and Czechia, while Ezri Konsa partnered Marc Guehi in the centre of defence.

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Thomas Tuchel explains Alexander-Arnold omission for Croatia clash

Lewis Hall retained his place at left-back, while Alexander-Arnold was dropped, with Jarell Quansah coming in to replace him despite the Real Madrid man providing a sumptuous assist for Gordon in the 2-0 win over Czechia. In total, the England boss made five changes from the win in Prague.

And Tuchel certainly did not hold back when asked for the reasons for his decision by ITV ahead of kick-off.

“It was very close. There is a lot to defend on the side, especially with Perisic," he said.

England fans call out Thomas Tuchel out for dropping Alexander-Arnold

Of course, many fans interpreted this as a dig at Trent, given the fact that some observers have criticised the defensive side of his game in the past.

One fan said: “Tuchel just said he’s starting Quansah over Trent cos there’s a lot to defend on the side. He’s taking the p**s. I have no more words.”

Another added: “Thomas Tuchel really watched that Trent Alexander-Arnold masterclass & assist midweek and decided what England needed was Jarell Quansah back at right-back. He needs to go.”

A third claimed: “Tuchel and Mourinho have something in common. They see Trent deliver a wonderful performance and then proceed to bench him in the next game.”

A fourth commented: “What a time to be alive! Quansah is actually being preferred over Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back for England.”

A fifth exclaimed: “Imagine being as good at football as Trent is and having to watch someone like Quansah be preferred in your position. I honestly think Tuchel is taking the p**s out of England fans at this point, and it’s quite funny.”

As a sixth wrote: "How can we take Tuchel seriously when he’s starting Quansah over Trent?"

Alexander-Arnold was previously left out of Tuchel’s 26-man squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions and does not give as much emphasis to defensive discipline and effort,” Tuchel said when asked about the right-back in 2025.

“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 seriously.”

England return to action against Czechia at Wembley on October 6.

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