Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing a battle to land a spot in the England national team moving forward, with the Real Madrid star being backed to feature in the coming matches
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid interact after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is battling for a place back in the England team(Image: (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images))
Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been told that he "has a big point to prove" for England, as the defender looks to earn a place in the national team moving forward.
The Real Madrid right-back has only featured once during Thomas Tuchel's managerial tenure with the Three Lions so far, which was a substitute appearance against Andorra in June 2025, showing how difficult it has been for him to get a chance in the side. The most glaring omission was for the World Cup, as his absence was highlighted in particular because of the injury struggles that the team faced in his position before, during, and after the tournament.
Having been recalled to the squad for the current international break, there is a chance for Alexander-Arnold to start his first England game in nearly two years, but initial hopes of that were dashed when Jarell Quansah started there against Spain in the opening UEFA Nations League clash.
Tuchel defended his decision to start Quansah over his former Liverpool teammate, but there is now a dilemma over which player he opts for at right-back for upcoming clashes with Czechia and Croatia.
When it comes to that decision, Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested that Alexander-Arnold should feature, while underlining how crucial this chance could be for his involvement in the England team moving forward.
He said on TalkSPORT: "He has a big point to prove. He has to take his chance with Reece James and Tino Livramento injured. There are certain games that will sort him more than others like this one. He has been harshly treated and deserves a chance.
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))
"Let's not act like he can't defend. It is not his greatest asset, but he doesn't get beaten every time. Could he do better at times? Of course, and there are ways to defend better as a team.
"The winger can drop back and help him. The right center-back can cover too. Liverpool did it for years. Klopp didn't not pick Trent in the big games. Ask Mohamed Salah who he would have wanted to play in front of. He wouldn't have picked Joe Gomez."
There is a real opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to feature, with a double-header against Czechia and a clash with Croatia coming over the next week for the Three Lions.
Injury issues within the squad may only enhance the 27-year-old's chances, with Ezri Konsa currently a doubt for the upcoming matches after undergoing an individual training routine following the defeat to Spain.
It will all depend on Tuchel's eventual choice, however, with the defender still clearly needing to prove to the manager that he can be part of his plans moving forward.
Tuesday's clash with Czechia will either show that the head coach is willing to give that opportunity, or that work still needs to be done to be involved moving forward.