Trent Alexander-Arnold's England prospects are increasingly bleak after Thomas Tuchel omitted him from the latest squad.

The Real Madrid full-back was overlooked in favor of central defender Trevoh Chalobah.

What happened?

Tuchel explained his decision, citing the need for a center back alternative.

He said: "We called Trevoh Chalobah because then we free up Jarell Quansah as full-back on both sides and Djed Spence can play both sides as full-back."

Why it matters for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Tuchel has faced repeated questions over his reasoning for persistently overlooking Alexander-Arnold.

The manager has offered measured praise of the player while outlining why he has not featured in his plans.

Tuchel said: "I think it's a very hard decision that we took. No doubt about his talent, no doubt about his career and what he can give to teams."

What comes next?

Practical considerations also played a part in Chalobah receiving the call-up, given that the Chelsea defender was already on American soil.

FA officials had no knowledge of Alexander-Arnold's whereabouts, prompting doubts over whether he could make it to the squad's Kansas City training base in time.

Tuchel harbors reservations over Alexander-Arnold's defensive abilities, saying: "If he wants to have this impact in the English national team, then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously."

As of August, Tuchel had already expressed concerns over Alexander-Arnold's defensive skills.

The 27-year-old has struggled through a torrid debut season in Madrid following his departure from Liverpool.

Tuchel's decision is another setback in what has been a difficult 12 months for Alexander-Arnold.

And the path back into the England set-up under Tuchel's stewardship is set to be a lengthy one.

But Tuchel has tried to explain the situation to Alexander-Arnold, saying: "We had a call. I tried to explain the situation but Trent just has to accept it."

So the question remains: what's next for Trent Alexander-Arnold and his England career?

Tuchel's comments have sparked debate over Alexander-Arnold's future in the national team.

The player's defensive abilities have been called into question, with Tuchel 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.