Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in the England squad for the first time in over a year.
The 27-year-old hasn’t played for England since June 2025 and has featured just once under Thomas Tuchel. He featured in the 55-man preliminary squad for the World Cup but did not make the final cut. Even when Tino Livramento had to pull out due to injury, Trevoh Chalobah got the call-up.
But he has been named in the 27-man squad for England’s upcoming Nations League games, as part of the new extended international break. Alexander-Arnold is one of two recognised right-backs in Tuchel’s squad, alongside Livramento.
So, how did Alexander-Arnold claw his way back into Tuchel’s thoughts?
Why Alexander-Arnold kept missing out
In his press conference after the squad announcement, Tuchel reiterated that Alexander-Arnold’s previous absences did not mean he was out of contention.
He said: “He was never off the list, he was never non-selectable for us and it is his chance to show, come to camp and be the best version of himself. He had a good start in two positions for Real Madrid and he comes as a right-back for us.”
When asked what Alexander-Arnold needs to do, Tuchel added: “Perform, that’s just what it is. It is a competition and I understand the question because he was not with us at the World Cup. We trusted other players.”
“I still stick with this decision and it is now time to fight for his place. He always said he is up for a fight, he always said he is up to fight for his place, especially for England so it is on him to prove and he is more than welcome in camp. We have a long camp and I am sure he will show up.”
Alexander-Arnold’s upturn in form
While there was a lot of conversation over Alexander-Arnold’s World Cup absence, some fans felt it was justified. The Englishman hadn’t had the best of first seasons at Real Madrid, struggling for form and fitness. He played 30 times in total, but only 14 of those appearances were starts in La Liga. He also provided only four assists in that time, averaging 0.31 per 90 minutes, from 2.17 chances created per 90.
While the new season is only four games in, Alexander-Arnold has shown slight signs of improvement. He’s averaging 2.54 chances created per 90 in La Liga, 0.42 of which have been big chances. So far, that has resulted in one assist — already increasing his average to 0.42 per 90. And Tuchel does only have this small sample size to work with when picking his team.
Alexander-Arnold has been slightly more effective in Real Madrid’s play so far this season too. Averaging 90 touches per 90, Alexander-Arnold has made 67.18 passes per 90, completing 59.58. He ranks fifth among Real Madrid players for both passes attempted and completed, which is an improvement on last season — when he sat 11th for passes completed. Alexander-Arnold has also attempted 11.41 long passes per 90, completing 6.34, both improvements on last season. While his final third passes per 90 are down, that’s more to a change in role. And it hasn’t stopped his crossing numbers.
Then there’s the defensive side of the game. Alexander-Arnold has been a lot better at winning the ball back across the pitch. He has won possession 3.38 times in the defensive third per 90, up from 2.32 last season. It’s a similar story for his possessions won in the middle third (1.69 from 1.39 per 90) and attacking third (0.42 from 0.08 per 90). Perhaps the best improvement has come in his interceptions, though. Alexander-Arnold ranks top in La Liga for his 2.96 interceptions per 90 among players with at least 180 minutes played.
He’s showing that he can do it all.
How does Alexander-Arnold compare
Alexander-Arnold will have also benefitted from injuries to Ben White and Reece James. The Chelsea captain seemed a certainty for the England squad at right-back, even with the fact that he has been playing in midfield for Xabi Alonso.
But even if they were all available, Alexander-Arnold certainly shines as one of England’s top right-back options.
The Real Madrid man has been the most creative right-back when compared to his Premier League counterparts. And he hasn’t been close. James has created just 0.7 chances per 90, from the double pivot, while White has averaged 0.9 per 90. Livramento is yet to create a chance, though he has also only played 33 minutes for Newcastle. But even with the impacted 8.2 crosses attempted per 90, Livramento cannot beat Alexander-Arnold for his threat down the flank.
Alexander-Arnold also fares well in the defensive metrics. While Livramento leads the way for his 5.5 tackles made per 90, again those are inflated by his lack of minutes. Alexander-Arnold is much closer to the rest, with his 1.3 per 90 between White’s 1.8 and James’ 0.7. The Real Madrid man does, though, have the best success rate with ground duels, barely beaten with 87.5%. He also leads ball recoveries (5.5 per 90) when Livramento isn’t taken into account.
Alexander-Arnold has a case of being Tuchel’s starting right-back during this window. It’s now up to him to make himself hard to drop.