Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up about the lingering criticism he continues to receive since leaving Liverpool, while also addressing his exclusion from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup.
The defender, who made the controversial decision to depart Anfield and move to Real Madrid, revealed that the abuse from disgruntled supporters has not subsided in the months since his exit. Despite the passage of time, he says the criticism continues to sting.
Alexander-Arnold explained that he had entered the summer without a backup plan, banking on the possibility that Tuchel would include him in England's World Cup squad. That hope, however, was dashed when he received a phone call at his home in Madrid delivering news he did not want to hear.
"I'll be honest, I was full of hope," Alexander-Arnold said, reflecting on the moment. "When I put the phone down, I was properly gutted."
The 26-year-old admitted that his initial reaction was one of frustration, though he expects England's coaching staff to have anticipated as much. "I hope the coaching staff would expect and understand that I was angry," he said.
Despite the setback, Alexander-Arnold pushed back against any suggestion that his commitment to the national team has wavered. He pointed to comments from Tuchel about wanting players who show genuine hunger to represent England, insisting he fits that description perfectly.
"He wants players who are desperate to play for England. I am one of those," Alexander-Arnold said firmly.
The right-back's most recent appearance for the Three Lions came as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over Andorra in June 2025, bringing his total caps to 34. He has since watched from the sidelines as England competed at the World Cup without him, an experience he described as difficult but not one that has dampened his resolve to force his way back into contention.
"Until I retire, I'm still an England player, whether I'm selected or not," he stated. "I'm always available if and when the manager needs me. There's no bigger honour."
Rather than allowing the disappointment to linger negatively, Alexander-Arnold said he intends to channel it into motivation as he embarks on the new season with Real Madrid. He views the setback as an opportunity to reignite his international career.
"I want to use it as fuel to get back into England squads and then back in an England shirt," he explained. "That's an aim of mine and I hope to achieve it."
The comments come at a pivotal moment for Alexander-Arnold, who is still adjusting to life in Spain following his switch from Liverpool, a move that drew significant backlash from sections of the Reds' fanbase given his boyhood connection to the club and his status as a homegrown talent. The defender's departure marked the end of an era at Anfield, where he had established himself as one of the most creative full-backs in European football.
While the abuse he references appears to stem largely from his exit from Merseyside, Alexander-Arnold's focus now seems firmly fixed on rebuilding his standing with the national team. With Tuchel overseeing a squad in transition, the door remains open for players willing to prove their desire and adaptability, something Alexander-Arnold insists he possesses in abundance.
Whether that determination translates into a swift return to the England fold remains to be seen, but the player himself appears determined not to let the World Cup snub define his international future.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.