Trent Alexander-Arnold has been spotted in training after a difficult season with Real Madrid, as England's national team grapples with a defensive crisis ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Alexander-Arnold's Summer Training
The 27-year-old former Liverpool defender, who left his boyhood club for Real Madrid, endured a torrid first campaign in Spain. He played just 30 games across all competitions last term, with several substitute appearances, due to disappointing form and two separate injuries. This underwhelming season led to his stunning omission from Thomas Tuchel's 26-man World Cup squad.
Alexander-Arnold's place in Real Madrid's starting eleven is also under threat despite Dani Carvajal's exit, thanks to new manager Jose Mourinho's arrival. The Portuguese manager famously builds his teams around defensive solidity, one of Alexander-Arnold's biggest weaknesses, and has already signed Denzel Dumfries in his position.
Determined to prove his doubters wrong, Alexander-Arnold shared a montage on his Instagram account of his solo ball drills and gruelling conditioning over the summer, captioned: "Summer done." He rejoined his Los Blancos teammates today for the start of official pre-season training under Mourinho.
England's Defensive Crisis
Alexander-Arnold's incredible fall from grace is best summed up by his omission from England's World Cup squad. He was left out in favour of Reece James and Tino Livramento. Even more shockingly, centre-back Trevoh Chalobah was picked as a replacement ahead of him once Livramento's injury ruled him out of the tournament.
The right-back position has proven to be a constant problem for Tuchel, which will only fuel Alexander-Arnold's determination further. First-choice James picked up an injury during the group stages that ruled him out of several games. Jarell Quansah took his place, but the ex-Reds star still needs to serve one more game of his two-match ban following a straight red card against Mexico, having missed the quarter-final win over Norway. Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice and Djed Spence have all played at right-back too, but no one has managed to make the position their own.
World Cup Semi-Final Clash
England next face Argentina in a monumental World Cup semi-final clash this Wednesday night. Alexander-Arnold will no doubt be watching intently, deeply frustrated that he isn't there to assist the Three Lions in their goal of lifting the iconic trophy.
