Beckham: I'd Struggle Not to Pick Trent, But Backs Tuchel's England for World Cup Glory

David Beckham has weighed in on Thomas Tuchel's controversial decision to exclude Trent Alexander-Arnold from England's latest squad selection, offering a revealing insight into the managerial dilemma.

Tuchel has shown no hesitation in making tough calls since taking the reins from Gareth Southgate, and his latest squad announcement included a notable omission. Real Madrid's Alexander-Arnold, who has enjoyed mixed fortunes in his debut campaign in Spain after leaving Liverpool, was overlooked despite Tuchel naming 35 players. The England boss instead plumped for Tino Livramento, Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa at right-back.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Beckham made his position crystal clear. "That's why I'm not England manager, because I don't have to make those decisions!" he quipped, before offering his genuine assessment. "But I'm a massive fan of Trent, I love Trent as a player."

The former Manchester United icon acknowledged the recurring criticism that has dogged Alexander-Arnold throughout his career—that his defensive work doesn't match his attacking prowess. Yet Beckham drew a compelling parallel to illustrate his thinking.

"I've heard so many times over the years when he was at Liverpool, when he's at Madrid, when he's playing for England, about, 'Well, he's not as good at defending as he is (attacking)'," Beckham explained. "Well, sometimes you have to accept that… Roberto Carlos was an unbelievable defender, but he was also unbelievable going forward. He'd always go forward, and then we'd have to cover him, so those kind of things you expect."

Crucially, Beckham then delivered his verdict: "But with Trent, would I take him? I'd find it very hard not to take someone like Trent."

On a broader note, Beckham has expressed bullish optimism about England's prospects at the forthcoming World Cup. He believes the squad is perfectly positioned to claim the trophy this summer.

"I think we're in the best place that we can be, in all honesty," Beckham stated. "I think we've got a very young, talented squad with a great captain leading us in the best of form, probably, of his life with Harry Kane."

He praised Tuchel's meticulous approach to squad management and his track record of success. "Thomas is so meticulous with how he picks the squad, how he runs the squad," Beckham continued. "He's obviously had past success in the game, but I think that what he brings is how meticulous he will be with every single detail that the England team actually need to perform in this World Cup."

Beckham stressed that Tuchel's management style will earn the players' respect and elicit the right response. "I think the players will respond to him because he is a top manager, and I think the way he handles the players, the players will respect, and I think they will react in the right way."

The former England skipper also highlighted Tuchel's resistance to external pressure when it comes to team selection. "In my opinion, he'll not be pressured into picking players that people are trying to get him to pick. He'll pick the team that he thinks will win this World Cup, and I'm looking forward to it, I'm excited about it."

When directly asked if England can win the World Cup, Beckham's answer was unequivocal: "Absolutely."