Thomas Tuchel faces a critical decision regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the England manager urged to place greater faith in the Real Madrid right-back following a standout display against the Czech Republic. The 27-year-old’s recall to the national team squad came as a surprise, given he had been marginalized throughout Tuchel’s tenure and omitted from the World Cup squad last summer despite the coach’s ongoing struggles at right-back.
Alexander-Arnold, who recently moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid, was deployed as a left-back under interim boss Lee Carsley, where he scored in a 3-1 Nations League victory over Finland in October 2024. He has now become Tuchel’s ninth right-back in 24 matches, finally earning a start in Prague after England suffered a 3-2 defeat to World Cup holders Spain at Wembley.
With the match state at 0-0 and the Czechs reduced to 10 men following Pavel Sulc’s early dismissal, Alexander-Arnold delivered a moment of world-class quality just after the interval. Making a 70-yard run into advanced positions, he regained possession and curled a perfect right-footed pass over three defenders to set up Anthony Gordon for a clinical header. The assist proved to be the decisive action in England’s win.
Tuchel praised the player’s professionalism and output. “He did very well. He had an excellent assist,” the German told BBC Radio 5 Live. “We never doubted that he can produce these kinds of assists. The deeper position in the second half suited him more than the higher position in the first half.”
Anthony Gordon, the beneficiary of the assist, highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s rare technical bravery. “Only a certain number of players have that ability, technique and bravery to be willing to make the mistake trying that pass,” Gordon said. “I’ve really enjoyed being around him.”
Statistically, the performance was impressive. Alexander-Arnold recorded 32 passes in the final third, second only to Elliot Anderson’s 41, and created three chances, matching Gordon’s tally. However, concerns regarding his defensive capabilities remain unaddressed, echoing the experimental and ultimately abandoned midfield role Sir Gareth Southgate tried during Euro 2024.
Alexander-Arnold expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity. “It’s always an honour to represent my country,” he said. “The manager gave me a chance, now hopefully he is happy with how I played.” England secured the three points thanks to captain Harry Kane’s 87th international goal in 123 appearances.
The upcoming behind-closed-doors friendly against Croatia in Rijeka this Saturday will likely serve as a make-or-break moment for Alexander-Arnold’s England career ahead of his 28th birthday on October 7. If Tuchel does not commit to the player now, questions remain about whether he ever will.
One assist doesn’t fix two years of exclusion. I’ll believe he’s the man when he starts the next five games in a row.
Finally, Tuchel is listening! Alexander-Arnold’s vision is unmatched. This is the England right-back we’ve been missing.
Huh, I thought he was out of the national team picture entirely. Good to see him getting respect at Real Madrid too.
I’m still worried about his defensive positioning. Can he really handle top-tier wingers in a tournament?
That 70-yard run was pure genius. Tuchel needs to start him against Croatia or regret it forever.