Trent Alexander-Arnold 5/2 to make England's 2026 World Cup squad

Real Madrid ace Trent Alexander-Arnold has drifted to a 5/2 shot to make England's 2026 World Cup squad after being left out of Thomas Tuchel's 35-man squad for March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Alexander-Arnold, who completed his long-anticipated move from the Bernabeu last June on a free transfer, has suffered an injury-disrupted first campaign in the Spanish capital, making just 21 appearances in all competitions so far.

But having featured in 11 of Los Blancos' last 12 matches across La Liga and the Champions League, ncluding a 5-1 aggregate rout of Manchester City, it appears the 27-year-old right-back is fit enough to compete for a Three Lions berth.

However, German tactician Tuchel has left the Scouser out of a bumper 35-man group for March's two friendlies – England's penultimate fixture set ahead of this summer's World Cup in the USA – suggesting the versatile maverick is not currently in his plans.

Ladbrokes and Coral go a standout 5/2 on Alexander-Arnold making the 2026 World CUp squad as of March 23rd, with Bet365 also pushing his price out to 7/4 since the latest squad was announced.

Tuchel yet to speak to Alexander-Arnold over omission

Speaking after revealing his squad, Tuchel said he had 'not yet' spoken to Alexander-Arnold as to why he had been left out of the squad.

Given Chelsea ace Reece James is absent from the upcoming two fixtures through injury, it seems the 27-year-old is significantly out of the picture at international level – seemingly due to his defensive frailties.

Speaking a year ago when having called up Alexander-Arnold, 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.

"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.

"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% awake, can be decisive.

"It can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home."

4/1 White back in England right-back picture after four-year absence

Instead, it looks like Tuchel is ready to turn to Arsenal star Ben White in a cause to address his right-back shortfalls.

With both James and then Bayer Leverkusen's Jarrel Quansah struck down by injury, England had been left with only Newcastle's Tino Livramento and Tottenham's Djed Spence as naturals on the right-hand side of defence.

That was until Monday morning, when it was announced Tuchel had called up Gunners ace White from the cold – having not featured for his nation since leaving the 2022 World Cup squad mid-way through the tournament for 'personal reasons'.

White had previously indicated in 2024 that he 'did not want to be considered for England selection at this time' but seems to have had a change of heart.

Money has since been flowing in for White to make the Three Lions' World Cup squad and Bet365 are currently a best-price 4/1 at the time of writing for him to be on the plane, with the likes of Sky Bet, Betfair and Paddy Power not far behind at 7/2.

That is a price that could shorten significantly more in the coming days should White be given the chance to show his qualities against Uruguay and Japan.