Trent Alexander-Arnold has been warned it is “now-or-never” for his England career after making his first start in two years against the Czech Republic.
The Real Madrid defender was brought back into the squad by England boss Thomas Tuchel and is desperate to build on that performance and play against Croatia. However, the 27-year-old faces huge competition for the right-back slot, which is why Tuchel says the former Liverpool full-back must take his opportunity in this Nations League camp.
Tuchel's Challenge to the Right-Back
When asked whether it was now or never for Alexander-Arnold because of his age, Tuchel said: “Good question. Maybe, maybe a little bit. You always have the chance, I would say.
“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.”
Tuchel also highlighted the tactical adjustment required from Alexander-Arnold, particularly when linking up with Bukayo Saka. “Trent is a unique player. He is not a runner, he is not someone who runs through the last line, who does overlaps, underlaps,” he said.
Adapting to a New Role
“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.”
Praise After Czech Republic Win
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, Tuchel was glowing about Alexander-Arnold’s performance. “He did very well. He had an excellent assist. Overall, like everyone, he was professional, top attitude and one decisive action,” he said.
“We never doubted that he can produce these kinds of assists. The deeper position in the second half suited him more than the higher position in the first half.
“Overall, I think we had a good and professional performance. Of course, the red card, especially an early red card, is such a heavy influence in the game. It makes the task sometimes a little bit more complicated psychologically.”
