Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid plenty to think about as the former Liverpool star impressed on a rare start for England this week
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - SEPTEMBER 29: Trent Alexander-Arnold of England during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Czechia and England at Fortuna Arena on September 29, 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold made a rare appearance for England against Czechia(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold may have just given Jose Mourinho a headache back at Real Madrid after making his long-awaited return for England.
The former Liverpool vice-captain earned his first cap in over a year, and his first start in two years, as the Three Lions beat Czechia 2-0 in the Nations League on Tuesday. Alexander-Arnold made the most of his opportunity as he grabbed an assist for Anthony Gordon’s opening goal, putting him in a good position to start again when England faces Croatia on Saturday.
Alexander-Arnold’s performance might not just enhance his reputation with England boss Thomas Tuchel, but it may have also caused Mourinho to sit up and take notice.
The 27-year-old has largely had to play second fiddle to Denzel Dumfries back at the Bernabeu, having made just three starts for his club so far this season, while he’s also been left on the bench on three occasions.
Having signed him from Inter Milan during the summer, Mourinho has favored the defensive stability offered by Dumfries, but fans watching England were all left asking the same question.
“Don’t remember Trent being this hardworking just wth was that run forward and delivery to Gordon?” one supporter commented on X.
Anthony Gordon and Trent Alexander-Arnold linked up on England duty
Alexander-Arnold set Anthony Gordon up for England's opener against Czechia(Image: Getty Images)
“What an assist from Trent. Mourinho keeps benching him for Dumfries,” another remarked.
Meanwhile, one fan predicted: “Mourinho will see this and play Dumfries over Trent in games where we need creativity.”
And another summed up the situation, commenting: “Real Madrid is one funny club! Look at the talent they’re wasting on the bench. They don’t even have someone who’ll get at the end of those crosses from Alexander-Arnold.”
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The Liverpool academy graduate will be hoping he can catch the eye a bit more before heading back to Spain, with Alexander-Arnold fully aware that his chances of getting more caps under Tuchel will depend on him forcing himself into Mourinho’s regular plans.
"It was amazing, always an honor and pleasure to represent my country,” Alexander-Arnold said about his first start for his country in two years.
"It's been a long time but I've always believed that I can play for England and I always want to.
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
Alexander-Arnold will be aiming to force his way into Jose Mourinho's regular plans at Real Madrid(Image: Getty)
"The belief is always there, it's about proving it at club level. The manager gave me the chance tonight to play and to try to follow what he asked of me to the best of my ability. Hopefully he's happy with how I played."
Tuchel seemed suitably impressed by the right-back as he told ITV Sport: "[Alexander-Arnold and Lewis Hall] were both good. The position in the second half suited Trent a little bit more than in the first half, and Lewis was excellent on the other side.
"We've used all outfield players in the first two games and credit to them."