Thomas Tuchel praises Trent Alexander-Arnold after England return
England manager Thomas Tuchel has offered rare praise to Trent Alexander-Arnold after the defender marked his international return with a game-changing assist in Prague. The Real Madrid right-back set up the opening goal as the Three Lions secured a comfortable 2-0 Nations League victory over Czechia on Tuesday night.
A point to prove in Prague
Alexander-Arnold was handed a surprise start by Tuchel, marking his first international appearance since June 2025.
The 27-year-old had previously been frozen out by the German manager, even missing a place in the squad for the World Cup last summer.
But with alternative right-back options sidelined by injuries, Alexander-Arnold seized his opportunity in the Czech capital.
After a scoreless first half, the former Liverpool defender recovered possession and delivered a sublime cross for Anthony Gordon to head home.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, Tuchel said:
“He did very well. He had an excellent assist. Overall, like everyone, he was professional, top attitude and one decisive action.”
The Newcastle winger was full of praise for the quality of the delivery that set up his opening goal.
Speaking to reporters after the victory, Gordon said:
“I make that run time and time again and only a certain number of players have that ability, technique and bravery to be willing to make the mistake trying that pass.”
Overcoming the trust barrier
The assist was a timely reminder of what the Real Madrid star can offer an England side that has often looked short of creative spark.
Alexander-Arnold has endured a complicated relationship with international managers, having struggled to win the trust of Gareth Southgate and now Tuchel.
Indeed, he became the ninth different player Tuchel has deployed at right-back across his 24 matches in charge.
Yet his performance against Czechia, who were reduced to ten men after Pavel Sulc was sent off for a tackle on Elliot Anderson, showed his unique attacking quality.
Only Anderson completed a higher number of final-third passes than Alexander-Arnold, who also created three goalscoring chances during the match.
Reflecting on his long-awaited return to the international stage, Alexander-Arnold told ITV:
“It’s been a long time, but I’ve always believed that I can play for England. That belief has always been there, and it’s just about proving it at club level.”
Captaincy hints and what lies ahead
The victory was wrapped up late on when captain Harry Kane struck his 87th goal for his country to seal the three points.
Kane was later replaced by Jude Bellingham, who took over the captain’s armband for the final whistle.
Addressing Bellingham’s brief cameo as skipper, Tuchel said:
“It is always a reward and always an honour. If you’re the captain at the end of these matches you can for sure be the permanent captain.”
England now sit second in Nations League Group A3, trailing Spain who defeated Croatia 4-1 on Tuesday.
Tuchel’s side will travel to Croatia on Saturday, where the manager hopes Manchester City left-sided defender Nico O’Reilly will recover from injury in time.
Whether Alexander-Arnold has done enough to retain his starting spot in Rijeka remains the big question for the England boss.
