Former Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold makes his first start for England since October 2024. The Real Madrid defender has been overlooked by Thomas Tuchel, but injuries at right-back have handed him another opportunity.
The 27-year-old fell out of favour under Tuchel, making his last appearance in June 2025 against Andorra. He was subsequently overlooked for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but has returned to the squad after a solid start to the season under Jose Mourinho.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has played 292 minutes across five games for Real Madrid in 2026/27, registering one assist.
Jude Bellingham is rested, with Morgan Rogers playing behind Harry Kane. Trevoh Chalobah starts at centre-back, while Ezri Konsa is only fit enough for the bench.
Alexander-Arnold was recalled for England’s four Nations League games during this international break but remained on the bench for Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley.
Tuchel instead started his former Liverpool teammate Jarell Quansah at right-back, with the defender playing the full 90 minutes.
After recalling Alexander-Arnold, Tuchel insisted that “the door is always open” for players to return to the England squad.
“They had a good start to the season,” Tuchel said of Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer, who subsequently withdrew from the squad.
“They never did something wrong. We just chose different players. So now it is a new competition. Some players, some positions, have more injuries.
“Some have less injuries. Cole has his starts that he always had but he has his numbers back – he has his assists back, he has decisive goals back – so that is why he is in the squad.
“I think he has a point to prove, and the same goes for Trent. He was never off the list. He was never non-selectable for us, and it is his chance to show, come to camp and be the best version of himself.”
England starting XI: Trafford, Alexander-Arnold, Chalobah, Guehi, Hall, Anderson, Lewis-Skelly, Rogers, Saka, Kane, Gordon.
Substitutes: Pickford, Steele, Scott, Konsa, Bellingham, Ngumoha, Branthwaite, Garner, Calvert-Lewin, Gibbs-White, Eze, Quansah.
Ready for Czechia 👊 pic.twitter.com/8aMMdnH99I
— England (@England) September 29, 2026
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