England coach Thomas Tuchel has been urged to offer Trent Alexander-Arnold more trust after the right-back delivered a world-class assist in a 3-1 Nations League win over Czech Republic in Prague. Alexander-Arnold's moment of brilliance came two minutes after halftime, as he made a 70-yard run into an attacking position before unfurling a magnificent right-foot delivery that floated in a teasing arc beyond three Czech defenders for Anthony Gordon to score with a stooping header.
The 27-year-old Alexander-Arnold has struggled to win Tuchel's trust, having not started for England since October 2024, when he played as a left-back under interim manager Lee Carsley. Tuchel's apparent lack of faith in Alexander-Arnold has been a defining feature of his time as England coach, with the right-back having been ignored for England's World Cup squad last summer. However, Tuchel recalled Alexander-Arnold for this four-game Nations League camp, and the player responded with a standout performance against Czech Republic.
Alexander-Arnold's assist was a highlight of a game that was made complicated for England by the early red card of Czech Republic's Pavel Sulc. Despite being in control, England were toiling against the 10-man Czechs before Alexander-Arnold's decisive action. Tuchel praised Alexander-Arnold's performance, saying he had an excellent assist and a professional attitude.
The defensive questions surrounding Alexander-Arnold remain, but his attacking prowess was on full display against Czech Republic. According to data, Alexander-Arnold made 32 passes in the final third, more than all but one of his teammates, and created three chances, with only Anthony Gordon creating more. His risk-taking approach, both in defense and attack, was evident throughout the game.
Tuchel is not alone in having doubts about Alexander-Arnold, with Sir Gareth Southgate's ill-fated attempt to utilize him as a midfielder at Euro 2024 being a notable example. However, Alexander-Arnold's talent and bravery were on display against Czech Republic, and he will hope to have convinced Tuchel to give him more opportunities. The two will face a further test on Saturday, when England play Croatia behind closed doors in Rijeka.
Alexander-Arnold's performance was welcomed by teammate Anthony Gordon, who praised his ability, technique, and bravery. Gordon said he had been eager to play with Alexander-Arnold and was grateful for the assist. England captain Harry Kane also got on the scoresheet, netting his 87th goal in 123 international appearances to seal the three points.
As Alexander-Arnold celebrates his 28th birthday on October 7, this camp may be a make-or-break moment for him under Tuchel. With a standout performance against Czech Republic, Alexander-Arnold will hope to have convinced Tuchel to trust him more in the future.
Key points
- Tuchel urged to trust Alexander-Arnold after standout assist in Nations League win.
