Tuchel Explains Alexander-Arnold’s England Recall After Long Absence
Thomas Tuchel has accepted that Trent Alexander-Arnold may not have been treated entirely fairly during his prolonged England absence, but the head coach says the defender’s exclusion reflected the form and continuity of the squad rather than a lack of regard for his ability.
Key takeaways
- Alexander-Arnold made only one England appearance under Tuchel before this window, a 26-minute substitute outing against Andorra.
- Tuchel has acknowledged that the Real Madrid defender’s omission may not always have been fair.
- England’s strong run after the September camp led Tuchel to retain the same group in October.
- Alexander-Arnold has started three matches for Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho this season.
- England meet world champions Spain on Saturday before an away fixture in Czechia.
Tuchel explains Alexander-Arnold decision
Tuchel took charge of England in October 2024, yet Alexander-Arnold’s sole involvement before the current international camp came as a second-half replacement against Andorra. The defender subsequently missed the World Cup after falling outside the manager’s preferred selection group.
The England coach said he could understand why the decision might be viewed as harsh from Alexander-Arnold’s perspective. “Was it always fair? Maybe not from my side,” Tuchel said, while pointing to the timing of the international calendar and the side’s growing momentum after September.
England had begun to build results and consistency, and Tuchel chose not to disrupt a squad that had performed well in previous camps. He said the side were “flying” and that retaining the group in October effectively left no opening for Alexander-Arnold to return, irrespective of whether that outcome was fair.
“I just trusted the guys who were in camp,” Tuchel added, underlining that previous calls were based on what the players had delivered for England rather than reputation or past achievements.
Fresh opportunity before Spain and Czechia
Alexander-Arnold has now returned to the England set-up after producing improved domestic evidence with Real Madrid. His three starts under Mourinho this term have helped put him back in contention, although Tuchel has made clear that selection will depend on what the player shows during the camp and in matches.
The manager stressed that an England call-up brings demands rather than comfort, with the same standard applying to established internationals and players returning to the group.
“You don’t come to relax. You don’t come to take a break. You come to perform,” Tuchel said. “The guys who perform now have our trust. And the guys who come new into camp, we demand the highest of them.”
Tuchel said those expectations include Alexander-Arnold but are not directed at him alone. The Real Madrid player will look to translate his club form to the international stage as England prepare for Saturday’s Nations League meeting with Spain, followed by the trip to Czechia.
