Alexander-Arnold England’s Only Specialist Right-Back After Livramento Exit
Trent Alexander-Arnold is England’s only specialist right-back for the coming UEFA Nations League fixtures after Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento withdrew from Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The Real Madrid defender has been recalled after missing England’s World Cup campaign in North America during the summer. Livramento’s latest absence leaves Tuchel short of options again, with Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah previously filling in on the right despite both being primarily centre-backs.
Alexander-Arnold, 27, now has a clear opportunity to strengthen his case for a regular international role. He has collected 34 senior caps across eight years, a relatively modest total for a player of his ability and club record.
The Merseyside-born player has not publicly complained about periods outside the squad, even as scrutiny continued over the defensive side of his game. He has instead rebuilt his form after a difficult first season in Spain and returned to favour with England.
Heskey praises Alexander-Arnold response
Former England and Liverpool striker Emile Heskey said Alexander-Arnold deserved credit for his reaction to setbacks.
“He has kept working and deserves recognition for that,” Heskey said. “I spent three or four years out of the England set-up myself, but believed that if I continued to work I would get another chance. Trent has handled it in the same way.
“He has not made noise about it. He has worked tirelessly and shown that he has earned his place back in the group.”
Gibbs-White returns after Palmer withdrawal
Morgan Gibbs-White has also been added to the England group after Cole Palmer pulled out. The Nottingham Forest midfielder was omitted from the World Cup despite an outstanding finish to the 2025-26 campaign, in which he scored 18 goals.
Heskey believes Gibbs-White should have been selected earlier, citing both his current form and his different profile in possession.
“He had a superb season and has started this one strongly too,” Heskey said. “He can find space between the lines, carry the ball, make chances and finish them. He brings something different.
“He is also a winner. He has won with England at youth level, at the Under-17 World Cup and the Under-21 Euros, and that mentality is important in a squad.”
England finished third at the World Cup after their semi-final defeat to Argentina, and Tuchel now has four matches in the next fortnight: Spain, Czechia twice and Croatia.
What happens next: Alexander-Arnold is in line for significant minutes as Tuchel manages a depleted right-back position, while Gibbs-White will look to seize his chance in Palmer’s absence.
