Just a step in front…” – Ex-Liverpool pair may find themselves fighting to secure a spot in the World Cup squad.
With most of the 2026 World Cup spots now decided, hundreds of players worldwide are still vying for a place in their national squads. Some are already all but guaranteed a ticket to North America next summer, while others must impress their national team coaches over the coming months to earn their spot.
Two former Liverpool teammates fall into the latter group. Jarell Quansah has been included in England’s squad for this month’s fixtures, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out.
Quansah edging Alexander-Arnold for World Cup selection
The 22-year-old earned his first cap in England’s 2-0 victory over Albania on Sunday, filling in at right-back rather than his usual central defensive position. England manager Thomas Tuchel suggested that Quansah may currently be ahead of Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order.
Speaking about his squad choices, Tuchel said (via BBC Sport): “I have a lot of trust in Jarell. I see his talent, but I see the package. He is tall, fast, strong in build-up, and dominant in the air. He has played every minute for Leverkusen since the Under-21 Euros, so at the moment he’s a tiny bit ahead [of Alexander-Arnold].”
Quansah has seized this opportunity, and with only one more international window in late March before Tuchel finalizes his World Cup squad, the Leverkusen defender has limited chances to impress. He will need to maintain strong performances at the club level to solidify his case.
That he is now genuinely in contention for the tournament — and possibly ahead of Alexander-Arnold — reflects the impressive form he has shown in Germany and underscores why his decision to leave Merseyside earlier this year may feel justified.
