Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold was snubbed for England's game against Spain, as he faces a battle to get into the Three Lions team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of England during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between England and Spain
Trent Alexander-Arnold was snubbed to feature for England against Spain(Image: (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images))
Trent Alexander-Arnold is once again facing a battle to get into the England team, after being snubbed by Thomas Tuchel during the latest international clash.
It follows the Three Lions falling to defeat at the hands of world champions Spain, as goals from Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, and Mikel Oyarzabal sealed a 3-2 UEFA Nations League triumph for Luis de la Fuente.
It wasn't quite the clash that Tuchel would have hoped for, months on from England's defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, which still lives long in supporters' memories. While there were a few changes to the team since the summer, the head coach opted for continuity in most of his lineup, including his choice at right-back.
While Alexander-Arnold has been called up with the opportunity to impress, Tuchel decided to name former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah ahead of him on the flank.
The 23-year-old is a center-back by trade, but has experience playing as a right-back, particularly for England, where he featured during the previous tournament.
As a result, Alexander-Arnold was snubbed from the starting lineup, while he failed to make an appearance from the bench as the game dragged on.
It continued a slow start to the campaign for the ex-Liverpool ace, who hasn't quite hit the ground running for Real Madrid so far this season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid looks on during the game against Atletico de Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured a difficult time at Real Madrid so far(Image: Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Returning Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho has picked summer arrival Denzel Dumfries as his right-back of choice so far this season, with Alexander-Arnold handed some opportunities along the way.
However, as things stand, Mourinho seemingly prefers Dumfries, meaning the England international is facing a battle to get back into the team in what has been a difficult period with the club so far.
That hasn't dissuaded Tuchel from picking the defender for his squad, but there is yet another clear challenge for him to feature regularly again.
Chances to impress will certainly come, with three more UEFA Nations League matches for the Three Lions before the international break comes to an end.
A double-header against Czechia comes either side of a match with Croatia, which could see Alexander-Arnold feature.
Those games, compared to the one against Spain, will likely see England on the front foot, which could suit starting the Real Madrid ace instead.
It remains to be seen whether he will take the chance when it is presented to him, but for now, there is still a waiting game for him to play for that opportunity to arise.