Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to the England fold has shifted the debate around his international future, but the Real Madrid right-back now appears closer to starting for the Three Lions than for his club side.
After a 14-month absence from the national team, the 28-year-old's timely resurgence could give Thomas Tuchel an extra attacking weapon. While Alexander-Arnold may lack the physicality of Reece James or the recovery speed and slide-tackling ability of Djed Spence, his creative qualities remain exceptional.
A creative spark for England's attack
With runners such as Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon buzzing around Harry Kane, Alexander-Arnold's vision and forward-thinking passing ensure Tuchel's forwards are well supplied. England's negative and overly defensive approach in the closing stages of July's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta is understood to have formed the basis of last month's post-tournament review.
If Tuchel wants to banish that narrative, he must show a clear willingness to attack rather than operate with caution. Players of Alexander-Arnold's ilk could prove key to such a shift.
Question marks remain over defensive side
Jarell Quansah, a promising young central defender, was considered a superior option to Alexander-Arnold at right-back this summer, a call that typifies Tuchel's safety-first approach. However, on the stroke of half-time against Croatia, Alexander-Arnold hesitated in possession, lost the ball, and Croatia countered, illustrating why defensive doubts persist.
Arsenal duo Ben White and the returning Ezri Konsa are heavily fancied to start at Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano this weekend. Alexander-Arnold has become accustomed to such treatment.
Club situation adds to the narrative
Just weeks ago, Jose Mourinho lauded Alexander-Arnold's "masterclass" in a 3-0 away victory over Racing Santander. In the two games that followed before the international break, against AEK Athens and Valencia, the Englishman was handed zero minutes, and there is an argument he is now third choice for Real Madrid behind Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries.
For England, Alexander-Arnold is worth that element of risk because he will create far more chances and goals than he will make mistakes. It is time Tuchel properly backed him, starting with Spain on Sunday.
