Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold could force his way into contention for England having missed out on the World Cup, with Thomas Tuchel facing a huge decision on the defender
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Lewis Hall of England run during a training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre
Trent Alexander-Arnold could feature for England(Image: (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images))
Trent Alexander-Arnold could finally get his opportunity to shine for England once again, as he faces a battle to make the right-back position his own for the national team.
It follows a period of relative isolation from the side, with the former Liverpool star featuring just once under Thomas Tuchel since his appointment, which was a 26-minute spell against Andorra in a World Cup qualifier last June, while he hasn't started a game for the national team since November 2024.
It sums up a difficult spell for the defender in international terms, while his challenges have only been compounded by an uncertain time with Real Madrid in the past year. There is an opportunity there for Alexander-Arnold to put himself in the plans of the manager, however, with his return to the England squad for the current international break.
While the chance is there, Tuchel re-affirmed his pecking order by starting Jarell Quansah at right-back in England's clash with Spain, claiming that the former Liverpool star had earned it with his previous displays and his performances in training.
It came as yet another blow to Alexander-Arnold, but all hope is not lost yet. The Real Madrid defender could be in line for a first start in years with the upcoming clash against Czechia.
Reporter Rob Dorsett claims that Tuchel could be forced to start the full-back, whether the manager planned to do so or not, due to the injury concerns within the England camp.
England's defender #02 Trent Alexander-Arnold (L) attends a training session at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground in Enfield
Trent Alexander-Arnold has a point to prove for England(Image: (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images))
Ezri Konsa, who has featured at right-back, is on an individual programme due to potential fitness concerns, making him a doubt for the game alongside fellow defenders Lewis Hall and Nico O'Reilly. Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Trevoh Chalobah could all feature at centre-back, but the rotation required could give Alexander-Arnold his chance at right-back.
It's the kind of game that could suit the former Liverpool man, with England likely to face a lower block defence, giving him more of an opportunity to show his strengths with the ball.
The clash could also be his best chance of showing Tuchel that he can stake a claim at right-back, with the November international break potentially bringing back some of his competition for a place in the team.
The likes of Tino Livramento and Reece James have previously been picked ahead of Alexander-Arnold, with their absence making way for the star, but their expected returns for the following break could make it tougher to feature again.
It remains to be seen whether he will take the chance, while he could be joined by Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha on the right flank if both are given the nod by the manager.
However, the magnitude of the opportunity available to Alexander-Arnold, if he does start, cannot be understated, as he looks to prove himself on the international stage once again.