Tuchel recalls Alexander-Arnold and the right-back delivers as England beat Czech Republic in Nations League
Trent Alexander-Arnold started for England and provided the assist for Anthony Gordon as England beat the Czech Republic in Prague in the Nations League on 29 September 2026. Captain Harry Kane added a goal later, his 87th in 123 international appearances, to ensure England took the three points.
Thomas Tuchel's apparent lack of trust in Alexander-Arnold has been a persistent narrative since he took charge, and the right-back had been largely marginalised until this recall to a four-game Nations League camp. The 27-year-old – now wearing "Trent" on his England shirt – last started for the national side before winning a Premier League title with Liverpool and subsequently moving to Real Madrid; he had been picked as a left-back by interim manager Lee Carsley when he scored in a 3-1 Nations League win in Finland in October 2024 and was omitted from England's World Cup squad last summer.
England had been struggling to break down a ten-man Czech side after Pavel Sulc was sent off after 25 minutes for a reckless challenge on Elliot Anderson, but two minutes after the restart Alexander-Arnold produced the decisive moment. Having earlier made a 70-yard run into an attacking position, he recovered possession when a move broke down and delivered a right-foot cross that sailed beyond three Czech defenders for Anthony Gordon to head in.
Tuchel acknowledged Alexander-Arnold's contribution after the match, saying: "He (Alexander-Arnold) did very well. He had an excellent assist. Overall, like everyone, he was professional, top attitude and one decisive action." He added: "We never doubted that he can produce these kinds of assists. The deeper position in the second half suited him more than the higher position in the first half." On the influence of the red card he said: "Overall, I think we had a good and professional performance. Of course, the red card, especially an early red card, is such a heavy influence in the game. It makes the task sometimes a little bit more complicated psychologically."
Team statistics underlined Alexander-Arnold's attacking involvement: only Elliot Anderson (41) completed more passes in the final third than Alexander-Arnold (32), and only Anthony Gordon, with four, created more chances than Alexander-Arnold's three. Gordon praised his team-mate, saying: "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. That's why he's so good and I've been dying to play with him for that reason. "He's had his own journey with England. He would've liked to have played more than he has but he's been a great character during this camp. I've really enjoyed being around him."
The recall made Alexander-Arnold the ninth different right-back Tuchel has used in 24 games, and the start came as England attempted to respond to a 3-2 defeat by World Cup holders Spain at Wembley. Past managerial experiments with Alexander-Arnold have been notable: Sir Gareth Southgate's effort to use him in midfield at Euro 2024 lasted 54 minutes in the game against Denmark before being abandoned.
More will be revealed if Tuchel keeps Alexander-Arnold in the side for the next fixture in this camp, the behind-closed-doors friendly against Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday.