Trent Alexander-Arnold impressed on his return to England action during the Nations League win over Czechia, delivering the cross for the opening goal and prompting fans to question his omission from the World Cup squad.
The Real Madrid defender started on the right-hand side of defence for the clash. His pinpoint cross found the head of Anthony Gordon, who nodded home to give England the lead against 10-man Czechia. Gordon later spoke about how heading is his weakest asset, but noted the quality of the delivery from Alexander-Arnold.
Fans question World Cup omission
Supporters were quick to point out that Thomas Tuchel left Alexander-Arnold out of the World Cup squad, alongside Lewis Hall, who starred on the opposite flank during the win in Prague.
One fan wrote on X: "A timely reminder that Thomas Tuchel left both Lewis Hall AND Trent Alexander-Arnold OUT of his World Cup squad in the summer. He ignored the country’s best two full-backs, only to end up with a midfielder at LB & a Leverkusen centre-back at RB. Ha…"
Another added: "Lewis Hall and Trent Alexander Arnold should have been the first choice England full-backs in the World Cup."
Tuchel praises performance
Tuchel was asked about Alexander-Arnold's performance after the match, saying: "He did very well. He had an excellent assist. Overall like everyone [he] was professional, top attitude and one decisive action."
Alexander-Arnold told ITV Sport: "I think it was good, they go down to 10 men and then there's more pressure on us to win the game but actually it makes it more difficult, they get very compact and defend. It's very hard to break them down. But we got that early on in the second half which is what we needed."
England face Croatia next in the Nations League, with their final match of the extended international break against Czechia at Wembley.
