Trent Alexander-Arnold has kept up his end of England bargain - but return might be short-lived
Trent Alexander-Arnold has kept up his end of England bargain - but return might be short-lived CZECH REPUBLIC 0-2 ENGLAND: The Three Lions are off the mark in the Nations League with Trent Alexander-Arnold having laid down a marker to Thomas Tuchel after returning to the squad Trent Alexander-Arnold turns 28 next week. He has two Premier League winners’ medals, one Champions League winners’ medal, one FA Cup winners’ medal, two EFL Cup winners’ medals, a UEFA Super Cup winners’ medal, and a FIFA Club World Cup winners’ medal. He plays for Real Madrid. But he will turn 28 having started 27 matches for his country. Boy, England must have been good over this past decade. To be fair, he has had strong competition for his role, Kyle Walker being a formidable obstacle to his inclusion in starting line-ups down the years. But the bottom line is that first Gareth Southgate, and now Thomas Tuchel, have given the impression they would rather play themselves at right-back than trust Trent. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page This was Alexander-Arnold’s first start for Tuchel. England’s German coach has used eight different players as starting right-backs before a lack of options finally persuaded him - kicking and screaming probably - to give Alexander-Arnold a start. Had Ben White, Reece James, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento been available, the Real Madrid defender would not have got a look-in. Had Gary Neville, Phil Neal and Viv Anderson been available, he would probably not have got a look-in. Alexander-Arnold knows that. You can tell. For one half of football, this was not Alexander-Arnold with a point to prove. This was Alexander-Arnold on autopilot. This was Alexander-Arnold - making his first international start in 716 days - knowing that Tuchel is not having him. But he is too good, too professional, to let that mindset take root. His natural-born brilliance takes over. His assist for Anthony Gordon’s opener was not just about the trademark, whipped delivery. It was not just about a right boot that does not so much strike the ball as persuade it. It was about his sense of adventure, because that is what got him into the position to execute the assist in the first place. It was a very accomplished finish from a team-mate brought up just down the road in Liverpool, but the pass was a thing of beauty. It was a pass that took three defenders out of the game. It was a pass that gave the goalkeeper no chance of interception. It was an extraordinary pass. But ordinary for Alexander-Arnold. Will one assisting masterpiece be enough for Tuchel to trust Trent? This is the manager who could not get Alexander-Arnold into a 26-man World Cup squad, don’t forget. Probably not. Tuchel will have to swallow some serious pride. Against the Czechs, Alexander-Arnold came up with a peach of an assist and Lewis Hall was excellent. Neither were on hand to help England at the World Cup. Tuchel must have had one hell of a squad. You never know, Tuchel might now make Alexander-Arnold an essential part of his plans for Euro 2028. Tuchel might decide he is the manager who can get the very best out of an outrageously talented player. Tuchel might say to Alexander-Arnold that the right-back position is his to lose. But don’t hold your breath. Just enjoy moments like such a gifted footballer provided in Prague. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice