Trent Alexander-Arnold hoped his return to the England squad in September would mark a fresh start. Left out of the 2026 World Cup by Thomas Tuchel, the Real Madrid right-back was recalled alongside Cole Palmer, but his situation with the Three Lions remains complicated.
Against Spain on Saturday, in a 3-2 defeat, Alexander-Arnold did not play a single minute, with Tuchel preferring Jarell Quansah at right-back. According to the Daily Mail, the 27-year-old has now gone more than 478 days without appearing for England. His last international appearance came on June 7, 2025, as a substitute against Andorra, while his last start dates back to October 13, 2024, against Finland.
It is a surprising decline for a player once regarded as one of the best attacking full-backs in world football.
Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 hoping to take another step forward in his career. At Anfield, he had established himself as one of Europe’s most creative defenders, playing a major role in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League triumph thanks to his passing range, crossing and ability to create chances.
However, his move to Madrid has not gone entirely as planned. After competing with Dani Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold now also faces competition from Denzel Dumfries. This season, he has started only three of Real Madrid’s eight matches in all competitions, making two substitute appearances and remaining unused in three others.
His reduced role at club level has also affected his England status.
Competition on the right side has always been intense, with players such as Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Reece James and Tino Livramento previously competing for places. Quansah has now emerged as another option, even being used at right-back against Spain.
Alexander-Arnold’s omission from the 2026 World Cup was already a major setback. England eventually finished third in the tournament, and Tuchel has repeatedly defended his squad selection, insisting he had no regrets about the players he chose.
The England manager also stood by his decision not to introduce Alexander-Arnold against Spain. Even after England fell 3-2 behind in the 74th minute, Tuchel made several substitutions but left the Real Madrid defender on the bench.
That decision raised questions because Alexander-Arnold’s greatest strengths — long-range passing, crossing and creativity — could have been useful while England were chasing an equaliser.
Trent Alexander-Arnold training with the National Team, England 🏴 pic.twitter.com/xECKX4MaeG
— R M The Best ⚽️🦁🔼🔝 (@RealMadridTBest) September 26, 2026
Tuchel, however, explained that defensive qualities were also required and praised Quansah’s pace, physicality and ability to operate as part of a back three.
When asked when Alexander-Arnold might finally get an opportunity, Tuchel gave little away.
“We have three matches left. I have to choose eleven players and five substitutes. Nothing else,” he said.
For Alexander-Arnold, the recall is at least a step forward after missing the World Cup, but it does not necessarily mean he has regained Tuchel’s trust. His status has changed considerably since leaving Liverpool, and with increased competition at both Real Madrid and England, he now faces a major challenge to re-establish himself.
Tuesday’s Nations League match against the Czech Republic could offer another opportunity — if Tuchel finally decides to use him.
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