Trent Alexander-Arnold's stance on his position with England is clear
England's Trent Alexander-Arnold with manager Thomas Tuchel on the touchline during the World Cup Qualifie
Trent Alexander-Arnold missed out on the World Cup this past summer(Image: PA)
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has told Thomas Tuchel that he's always available for selection for England. The first Three Lions squad of the season will be announced today (Friday, September 18) ahead of the Nations League later this month.
The Real Madrid defender was among several high-profile omissions from England's World Cup squad this past summer after a difficult first season in Spain. Alexander-Arnold, 27, has yet to lay a marker down at the Santiago Bernabeu and has started just one league game this season under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese boss has seemingly preferred Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries at right-back, which certainly doesn't spell good news for Alexander-Arnold's plans to earn an England recall.
The ex-Liverpool star's precarious club situation hasn't stopped him from remaining dedicated to his country, despite his last cap coming in a 1-0 win over Andorra in June 2025.
Speaking to the Mirror in August, Alexander-Arnold said: "Until I retire, I'm still an England player, whether I'm selected or not. I'm always available if and when the manager needs me. There's no bigger honour."
The full-back admitted he was left surprised by his absence from England's World Cup squad. He added: "I'll be honest, I was full of hope. When I put the phone down, I was properly gutted. I hope the coaching staff would expect and understand that I was angry."
Time is on Alexander-Arnold's side to earn a return to the England setup, but he was warned by Tuchel that his defensive lapses could cost the team in major tournaments. The England boss urged the Madrid star to concentrate on becoming a better defender.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid receives instructions from head coach Jose Mourinho during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Trent Alexander-Arnold has started one league game this season(Image: Getty)
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Prior to finalising his 26-man squad for the summer competition, Tuchel said: "I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions, and gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort.
"This major impact that he had for Liverpool over so many years, if he wants to have this impact in the English national team, then he has to take the defensive part very seriously.
Thomas Tuchel, England coach taking to his players in a hydration break during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium
Tuchel led England to the semi-finals of the World Cup(Image: Getty)
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"Because when we are talking, especially, about qualifying football and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100 per cent awake, can be decisive, can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home."
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