Trent Alexander-Arnold Faces Fresh England Selection Battle Under Tuchel
Trent Alexander-Arnold faces another fight for an England place as Thomas Tuchel prepares his next squad, with club form set to shape selection ahead of the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia in late September and early October.
England door remains open
Tuchel is expected to assess every available option before England return to action, leaving Alexander-Arnold with a route back despite a long spell outside the international picture.
The Real Madrid player has appeared only once for England since leaving Liverpool for Spain in 2025. That came as a substitute in the June 2025 World Cup qualifier against Andorra, and he has not featured since.
Alexander-Arnold has 34 senior caps after making his England debut in 2018, following his breakthrough at Liverpool. His total remains modest for a player who won both the Premier League and Champions League at Anfield.
Right-back competition is fierce
England’s depth on the right has repeatedly limited Alexander-Arnold’s opportunities. Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier were long-standing first-choice options, while Tuchel now has several alternatives.
- Reece James offers experience and can also move into midfield areas.
- Tino Livramento and Djed Spence are among the specialist right-back contenders.
- Ben White remains another option in the defensive unit.
- Ezri Konsa can shift from central defence to cover the flank.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly and Nico O’Reilly have also shown the ability to step into midfield from full-back roles.
Alexander-Arnold’s own flexibility may help his case, but inconsistent minutes and performances at Madrid could make it difficult for him to move ahead of rivals.
Warnock backs Alexander-Arnold’s unique threat
Former England left-back Stephen Warnock believes a Tuchel recall currently looks unlikely, a verdict he called remarkable given Alexander-Arnold’s attacking qualities.
Warnock accepted that the defender has weaknesses without the ball, but argued that a centre-back partner can provide cover because of the impact Alexander-Arnold makes in possession. He pointed to Liverpool’s former midfield protection from Fabinho and Jordan Henderson as evidence of how teams can accommodate him.
He also highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s passing at Real Madrid, saying his range can release runners in ways few other players can manage. Warnock described it as an exceptional weapon and said he was disappointed for the England international.
“At that level, the manager’s view can decide whether you get in the squad,” Warnock said. “It is a difficult situation for Trent because he sits between being a right-back and a midfielder.”
What happens next
Alexander-Arnold was included by Gareth Southgate for Euro 2024 and played four matches, converting his spot-kick in the quarter-final shootout win over Switzerland.
Warnock believes he could potentially have made a difference during England’s World Cup run, which ended just short of the final, but said Tuchel has made his call and must stand by it.
The next international window gives Alexander-Arnold time to strengthen his Madrid case. Stronger, more regular club performances will be central if he is to return to Tuchel’s plans for the games with Spain, Czechia and Croatia.
