Tuchel's Key Players Revealed: What's Next for Trent Alexander-Arnold?

England manager Thomas Tuchel has given a clear indication of his key players for the World Cup by resting 11 members of his 35-man squad for the friendly against Uruguay. The list includes Dean Henderson, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka. They will be given a few days off before joining the camp on Friday, with Tuchel citing the high number of minutes they have played this season and stating that he has seen enough of them to know they have nothing to prove. This suggests that these players are almost certain to be included in the World Cup squad, barring any injuries. Jordan Pickford, Jude Bellingham, and the injured Reece James are also considered to be in the same category but will join the camp for the first game due to having played fewer minutes than the others. Tuchel's biggest decision for the World Cup squad is still to be made, which is choosing from the abundance of No 10 talents. He has made it clear that it is unlikely he will take three, four, or five players for one position. The competition for this role will be fierce, with Cole Palmer and Phil Foden vying for the position against Uruguay, and Rogers, Eberechi Eze, and potentially Bellingham against Japan. Palmer has underwhelmed of late for Chelsea, while Foden is struggling to get into the Manchester City starting XI. Bellingham has been out injured for a month, Rogers has dipped in form, and Eze has only scored against weaker opponents. The upcoming games will be their last chance to impress Tuchel and secure a spot in the World Cup squad. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission from the 35-man squad has raised eyebrows. Tuchel cited the high number of minutes Alexander-Arnold has played this season, but the fact that he has played just 26 minutes under Tuchel suggests that the manager has already made up his mind about the player. Alexander-Arnold's chances of making the World Cup squad now seem slim. In other news, 16-year-old Max Dowman, who became the Premier League's youngest ever goalscorer, has been considered for a call-up, although it is unlikely. Tuchel has also recalled Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, who will provide much-needed options. Mainoo will be competing for a midfield spot, while Maguire will be drawing on his experience to retake his role in central defense. Finally, uncapped Jason Steele has been named in the 35-man squad, with Tuchel revealing that the 35-year-old is auditioning for a special role at the World Cup as the fourth shot-stopper to support the three-man mandatory goalkeeper group.