Trent Alexander-Arnold’s England career has been defined by the suspicion of his national coach rather than by anything he has done in a shirt. Recalled for this four-game Nations League camp, the 27-year-old was handed a first start under Thomas Tuchel against Czech Republic in Prague — and answered with the moment that decided the game.
It had been a long wait. Alexander-Arnold’s previous England start came in October 2024, when interim manager Lee Carsley picked him at left-back and he scored in a 3-1 Nations League win in Finland. In the time since, he has won a Premier League title at Liverpool and completed a move to Real Madrid, yet he was overlooked for England’s World Cup squad last summer, at a point when right-back had become a problem position for Tuchel. Whatever doubts the German held about the role, Alexander-Arnold appeared to be excluded from the solution.
That is what made his recall for this camp so unexpected. By starting in Prague, he became the ninth right-back Tuchel has used in 24 matches in charge, a statistic that captures both the coach’s search for an answer and the scale of Alexander-Arnold’s exile.
England arrived at the fixture attempting to recover from a 3-2 defeat by World Cup holders Spain at Wembley. Against the Czechs they had control but little penetration, toiling against opponents who were reduced to ten men after only 25 minutes, when danger man Pavel Sulc was sent off for a reckless challenge on Elliot Anderson. The resistance held until two minutes after the break.
Alexander-Arnold had already shown his intent, making a 70-yard run forward to add to England’s attacking options. When that move broke down he regained possession and delivered a magnificent right-foot ball that floated in a teasing arc beyond three Czech defenders, inviting Anthony Gordon to score with a stooping header he made look far easier than it was.
Tuchel was impressed. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “He did very well. He had an excellent assist. Overall, like everyone, he was professional, top attitude and one decisive action.” He added: “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. Overall, I think we had a good and professional performance. Of course, the red card, especially an early red card, is such a heavy influence in the game. It makes the task sometimes a little bit more complicated psychologically.”
Gordon, the beneficiary of the assist, was equally clear about its rarity. “I make that run time and time again and only a certain number of players have that ability, technique and bravery to be willing to make the mistake trying that pass. That’s why he’s so good and I’ve been dying to play with him for that reason,” he said. “He’s had his own journey with England. He would’ve liked to have played more than he has but he’s been a great character during this camp. I’ve really enjoyed being around him.”
The numbers supported the impression. Alexander-Arnold made 32 passes in the final third, bettered only by Elliot Anderson’s 41, and created three chances, with only Gordon, on four, creating more. Tuchel is not the first England manager to have reservations. Gareth Southgate’s attempt to use Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder at Euro 2024 lasted 54 minutes of the second group game against Denmark before it was abandoned for good.
More will be revealed if Tuchel keeps faith with him for the behind-closed-doors meeting with Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday. With Alexander-Arnold turning 28 on 7 October, this camp looks close to make-or-break: if a moment of game-changing skill such as this cannot convince Tuchel, it is hard to see what will.
“It was amazing. It’s always an honour to represent my country. It’s been a long time, but I’ve always believed I can play for England. That belief has always been there and it was about proving it at club level. The manager gave me a chance, now hopefully he is happy with how I played,” Alexander-Arnold said. England sealed the three points through captain Harry Kane’s 87th goal in 123 international appearances.