The English full-back is back in the national team after missing the World Cup, but Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he will have to fight for his place.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is back with England. The Real Madrid defender missed the World Cup after Thomas Tuchel decided not to include him in his squad for the tournament, a decision that sparked plenty of debate in England at the time.
A few months later, the England manager has decided to recall the right-back for the upcoming international break. However, Tuchel insists that he has no regrets about leaving Alexander-Arnold out of the World Cup squad.
“It’s a competition. And I understand your question because he wasn’t with us. He wasn’t with us at the World Cup. I trusted other players. I still stand by that decision, and now it is up to him to fight for his place,” Tuchel explained.
“It’s up to him to prove himself”
Alexander-Arnold may be back in the squad, but that does not mean he will immediately return to the starting XI. Tuchel has warned the Real Madrid defender that he must earn his position just like everyone else.
“He has always said that he is ready to fight. He has always said that he is ready to fight for his place, especially with England. It is up to him to prove himself,” the German coach added.
The England manager is now eager to see how Alexander-Arnold performs during the international camp. Despite his previous decision to leave him out, Tuchel made it clear that the defender remains an important option for the Three Lions.
“He is more than welcome to join us for a long camp. I am sure he will show what he can do,” Tuchel said.
For Alexander-Arnold, this call-up represents a major opportunity to re-establish himself at international level. His technical quality, passing range and attacking influence have never really been questioned, but competition for places in the England squad remains intense.
His performances with Real Madrid will also be closely watched. Having moved into a new environment and adapted to the demands of Spanish football, the defender now has another chance to convince Tuchel that he deserves a regular role for England.
🗣️ Tuchel sobre Trent: "No estuvo con nosotros en el Mundial y sigo manteniendo esa decisión.
— (fan) REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) September 18, 2026
Es el momento de que luche por un puesto, dijo que está listo para hacerlo.
Está en sus manos para demostrarlo y es más que bienvenido."
🤔🫠 pic.twitter.com/Icwelkkqe6
Four games to make his case
Alexander-Arnold will have several opportunities to impress during this international window, with England scheduled to play four matches.
The Three Lions will first face Spain at Wembley on September 26 before travelling to the Czech Republic for a match on September 29. England will then take on Croatia on October 3 before hosting the Czech Republic at Wembley on October 6.
Those four fixtures could prove decisive for Alexander-Arnold as he looks to regain his place in the national team.
Tuchel’s message could hardly be clearer: the door is open again, but nothing will be handed to him. After the disappointment of missing the World Cup, Alexander-Arnold now has the opportunity to respond on the pitch and show that he can once again become an important figure for England.
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