Thomas Tuchel will travel to Madrid for face-to-face talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold as part of plans to speak to 60 players on the fringes of the England squad.
After a fractious summer camp England have clearly grown in the three autumn international windows, signing off their qualifying campaign with a perfect eight wins.
Tuchel’s starting XI has started to emerge but underneath it there is fierce competition for places.
Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham missed out in October and it was the latter’s Real Madrid teammate Alexander-Arnold who was absent this time around after his form in Spain dipped.
For Tuchel, it is not a case of “out of sight, out of mind” with Alexander-Arnold or any of the players he has identified as part of a “long list” of squad options.
Instead he plans to spend the next few months conducting a series of calls – some on FaceTime, some face-to-face at training grounds – with every player on England’s radar in a World Cup season.
“It’s my job now to make contact with everyone, players like Trent,” Tuchel said.
“Players that are on our long list, 55, 60 players, to reach out to them, be in touch with them, explain to them why they were not here.
“Explain to them what they have to do, where they can improve. Can they even do something or is it just a choice?”
Tuchel has focused the minds of even his biggest stars by showing that their selection is not automatic.
It was typical of his ruthlessness that he was prepared to play Jarell Quansah, on debut, at right-back rather than an out-of-sorts Alexander-Arnold.
Given England’s form, they would probably rather the World Cup came sooner than the summer.
Tuchel spoke of his frustration at the prospect of four months without seeing his players – jokingly floating the idea of his XI playing in the Premier League as a “wildcard” so they could retain their sharpness.
The World Cup draw takes place on 5 December, so who are the fringe players awaiting his call to discuss their hopes of making it to next summer’s tournament?
Eight fringe players on England’s World Cup radar
Trent Alexander-Arnold
It didn’t bode well that Tuchel preferred Quansah at right-back in Tirana. Tuchel said he was “a tiny bit ahead” because of his form for Bayer Leverkusen and work at the under-21 Euros – so Alexander-Arnold will have to improve.
Jack Grealish
Joining Everton has been good for Grealish but he’s yet to move the dial in terms of England selection and time is running out.
Tino Livramento
Was so good at the start of the season but injury curtailed him. Versatility gives him a chance.
Danny Welbeck
Unlucky to miss out this time as Tuchel seems to prefer the prospect of going with either a Bellingham or even a Jarrod Bowen if Harry Kane is injured. Chances may be tied to whether Kane stays fit.
Lewis Hall
Left-back feels up for grabs and Hall, by virtue of his under-21 performances, is in with a shout.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Superb for Tuchel on debut but can’t get in the Arsenal team. Needs first-team football to get back into the England reckoning.
Noni Madueke
He has been excellent when called up but plays in a role where there’s plenty of competition. Will probably stamp his ticket – just.
Kobbie Mainoo
A precipitous dip in his stock means he might have to push for a loan move in January to get back in the reckoning.
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