Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is still looking to seal a place in the England team under Thomas Tuchel, with the head coach yet to truly give the defender a run of games for the side
Trent Alexander-Arnold of England arrives at the stadium before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Croatia and England
Trent Alexander-Arnold was snubbed for England's match with Croatia(Image: (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images))
Trent Alexander-Arnold may feel unfortunate to miss out on a place in England's starting team for the clash with Croatia, as Thomas Tuchel snubbed the star with his team selection once again.
The former Liverpool star has struggled to cement a place in the side under the German head coach so far, having featured just once for the manager before this international break - which was a spell from the bench in a World Cup qualification match against Andorra.
After brutal snubs for the team since, which included missing out on the World Cup squad, Alexander-Arnold has finally been handed an opportunity to impress during the extended three-week international break that spans September and October. While he was snubbed for the opening match against world champions Spain, where ex-Liverpool teammate Jarell Quansah was given the nod instead, he was finally handed a chance against Czechia in the following UEFA Nations League match.
Starting at right-back, the Real Madrid ace impressed. He was given the licence to get up the pitch, controlling possession in the way he knows best, and given the freedom to swing in a few crosses.
While that was against ten men for the majority of the match, due to a red card early on for the hosts, Tuchel's decision to start Alexander-Arnold was vindicated when his pinpoint accurate cross found the stooping head of Anthony Gordon, who put the ball in the back of the net.
"I make that run time and time again, and only a certain number of players have got that ability, technique and bravery to be willing to make the mistake trying that pass, so credit to Trent," Gordon told ITV after the game, before sending a little hint over his teammate's position.
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“That’s why he’s so good, and I’ve been dying to play with him for that reason... He’s had his own journey with England. Probably should’ve played… Would’ve liked to have played more than he has, sorry, but he’s been a great character during this camp, I’ve really enjoyed being around him.”
Anthony Gordon of England celebrates with Trent Alexander-Arnold after scoring a goal during the UEFA Nations League match against Czechia
Trent Alexander-Arnold registered an assist in England's recent win over Czechia(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
While Gordon certainly suggested that Alexander-Arnold should have played more for England, and the star impressed in his cameo, the fact he was then snubbed by Tuchel in the following match against Croatia comes as something of a shock.
The manager turned back to Quansah once again, looking to lock down the right flank with a different profile of defender in that position.
It remains to be seen whether he will get a chance in the game, or in the one that follows against Czechia, once again before the international break comes to an end. But the chances to impress with England may dwindle over time.
“Good question. Maybe, maybe a little bit. You always have the chance, I would say," Tuchel said ahead of the match with Croatia when asked if it was now-or-never for Alexander-Arnold's England career.
“Once you are in camp it’s a big opportunity if other players are not here. You can impress and mark your territory and show his true capacity that no one’s doubting. It’s just not isolated about the position.
"Trent is a unique player. He is not a runner, he is not someone who runs through the last line, who does overlaps, underlaps. I think in combination with Bukayo Saka, Bukayo is normally used to a lot of movements around him. That brings normally the best out of Bukayo. They need also to find a way to not be too static.
“That’s maybe the challenge for Trent: to buy a little bit into a new idea and a bit out of his comfort zone. But he’s trying and it’s never too late to prove a point. It is a bit of a strange one. So much competition and no one is like the one guy to play, because of injuries or because people cannot be available. So there is a little bit of a curse there as well. It was like that in the World Cup and obviously it doesn’t stop with me.”
It underlines the unique challenge that he faces, and one that is seemingly tougher and tougher to overcome.