Speaking exclusively to BetMGM, Fowler admitted he was surprised Tuchel did not find room for the former Liverpool vice-captain despite concerns over his defensive game.
“I’ve watched Trent [Alexander-Arnold] for years and years,” Fowler said. “Whilst he may not be considered to be the best player defensively in the world, for a team like England that is going to have a lot of the ball and needs to be proactive when going forward, I’d want him in my team probably more than anyone in world football in that position.
“You know that he can deliver from certain areas with his range of passing and I don’t think there are many better passers than him in England.”
Fowler believes Alexander-Arnold’s creativity would have been particularly valuable during the early stages of the tournament.
“I was a bit surprised to see Tuchel not give Trent a chance,” he said. “England will need to be creative in the group stage and Trent has that in abundance. So, for me, I’m disappointed he misses out and I do think he should have gone.”
The Liverpool legend also pointed to injury concerns surrounding some of England’s other right-back options.
“The manager has picked Tino Livramento, who has been injured, while Djed Spence broke his jaw recently and we know Reece James has a bad injury record too, so for me you need to find a place for Trent.”
Despite disagreeing with the decision, Fowler has been impressed by Tuchel’s start as England manager and praised the German for sticking to his principles.
“I think he’s been brilliant since he’s come in,” Fowler said. “We’ve seen he’s not afraid to make decisions.
“People will have their opinions on what he’s done, but he has a style of doing things and he’s not going to be swayed. He wants his players to fit into that style and you’ve got to admire him for having his own way. It’s live by the sword, die by the sword.”
Fowler also suggested that Jude Bellingham could face similar challenges under Tuchel because of the manager’s preference for structure and defensive discipline.
“Tuchel wants solidity in his team,” Fowler explained. “I’m not sure he’s fully confident that Bellingham can do that role.”
Looking ahead to the tournament itself, Fowler expects England to be contenders but believes climate conditions could be a major factor.
“I do think England will go far,” he said. “The manager knows tournament football and he’s going to make sure the team is very solid.
“My worry is the climate. It’s going to be warm and that’s going to be a hindrance.”
As for the eventual winners, Fowler believes the strongest challengers are already clear.
“With that in mind, I do think you’ve got to look at Spain. They look very, very strong and I’d fancy them, France or Argentina to win it.”