Sport

Can Alexander-Arnold Win Back Tuchel’s Trust?

Thomas Tuchel has his faults. Any England fan that still remembers his game-management in the final 30 minutes of the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Argentina will attest to this. However, the German has always been honest in his assessment of players and had some candid things to say about Trent Alexander-Arnold last week.

“I am not sure a lot of things have changed,” said Tuchel when asked about his bold decision to leave Alexander-Arnold at home for the World Cup and whether he regrets his decision considering England’s failure to win a tournament many considered them contenders for. “I know what he is capable of.

“I know about his talent. I know what he is saying – that he is desperate to play for the England national team and he will fight for his shirt. It’s a long camp and it’s a good moment to show up. It’s a chance for Trent to claim what he feels is his – his place on the right side. So here we go.”

Of course, Tuchel isn’t the first manager to sideline Alexander-Arnold. Sir Gareth Southgate was similarly cautious about using him as a right back due to his perceived defensive weaknesses. Southgate attempted to deploy Alexander-Arnold in central midfield to utilise his passing range, without much success. The experiment was quickly dropped.

At club level, Jose Mourinho has generally favoured Denzel Dumfries at right back for Real Madrid this season. Against Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s Madrid Derby, Alexander-Arnold watched the entire game from the bench. Mourinho didn’t trust him to perform his defensive duties as the match required, especially after Real Madrid went down to 10 men.

There’s no denying Alexander-Arnold’s natural talent on the ball. For Liverpool, he was a key part of a team that won it all under Jurgen Klopp. Alexander-Arnold ranks as one of the most prolific assist-makers of the Premier League era and is one of the most natural creators of his generation.

If Tuchel can find a way to harness that creativity, England will be a better team for it. The Three Lions struggled to impose themselves on the strongest opponents at the World Cup, and at previous major tournaments under Southgate. Alexander-Arnold is the sort player who could help in this regard. He could help unpick the lock of opponents.

As a defender, though, Alexander-Arnold must show he can perform in a back four where he is expected to protect his own goal, not just play forward with the ball. If he can do this then Tuchel would be justified to continue his exile of the Real Madrid right back. England need a two-way player in that position.

Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only England player who must use the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches to catch Tuchel’s eye. Alex Scott has been given another opportunity after missing out on a place in the World Cup squad with Rio Ngumoha rewarded for breaking through at Liverpool in the first two months of the season.

Tuchel is experimenting with Euro 2028 in mind. England have come close to ending their long wait for a major tournament trophy in recent times, but require more quality to make the final step. This is where Alexander-Arnold could yet become one of Tuchel’s most important players.

Whether or not Alexander-Arnold would have made a difference for England at the 2026 World Cup will never be known. It seemed wasteful to have such a talented player sitting at home, but Tuchel’s concerns about the 27-year-old’s defensive capabilities were justified. It’s up to Alexander-Arnold to prove he can develop his game to be more useful for club and country.