Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first England start under Thomas Tuchel in 716 days, assisting Anthony Gordon's opener in a 2-0 Nations League victory over the Czech Republic in Prague. However, despite the standout performance, the Real Madrid defender's return to the starting lineup may be short-lived.
Alexander-Arnold turns 28 next week. He has two Premier League winners' medals, one Champions League winners' medal, one FA Cup winners' medal, two EFL Cup winners' medals, a UEFA Super Cup winners' medal, and a FIFA Club World Cup winners' medal. He plays for Real Madrid. But he will turn 28 having started 27 matches for his country.
To be fair, he has had strong competition for his role, Kyle Walker being a formidable obstacle to his inclusion in starting line-ups down the years. But the bottom line is that first Gareth Southgate, and now Thomas Tuchel, have given the impression they would rather play themselves at right-back than trust Trent.
First start under Tuchel
This was Alexander-Arnold's first start for Tuchel. England's German coach has used eight different players as starting right-backs before a lack of options finally persuaded him to give Alexander-Arnold a start. Had Ben White, Reece James, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento been available, the Real Madrid defender would not have got a look-in. Had Gary Neville, Phil Neal and Viv Anderson been available, he would probably not have got a look-in.
Alexander-Arnold knows that. For one half of football, this was not Alexander-Arnold with a point to prove. This was Alexander-Arnold on autopilot. This was Alexander-Arnold knowing that Tuchel is not having him. But he is too good, too professional, to let that mindset take root. His natural-born brilliance takes over.
Assist for Gordon's opener
His assist for Anthony Gordon's opener was not just about the trademark, whipped delivery. It was not just about a right boot that does not so much strike the ball as persuade it. It was about his sense of adventure, because that is what got him into the position to execute the assist in the first place. It was a very accomplished finish from a team-mate brought up just down the road in Liverpool, but the pass was a thing of beauty. It was a pass that took three defenders out of the game. It was a pass that gave the goalkeeper no chance of interception. It was an extraordinary pass. But ordinary for Alexander-Arnold.
Will Tuchel trust Trent?
Will one assisting masterpiece be enough for Tuchel to trust Trent? This is the manager who could not get Alexander-Arnold into a 26-man World Cup squad. Probably not. Tuchel will have to swallow some serious pride. Against the Czechs, Alexander-Arnold came up with a peach of an assist and Lewis Hall was excellent. Neither were on hand to help England at the World Cup.
Tuchel must have had one hell of a squad. You never know, Tuchel might now make Alexander-Arnold an essential part of his plans for Euro 2028. Tuchel might decide he is the manager who can get the very best out of an outrageously talented player. Tuchel might say to Alexander-Arnold that the right-back position is his to lose. But don't hold your breath. Just enjoy moments like such a gifted footballer provided in Prague.
