Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to England starting XI after two-year absence

Trent Alexander-Arnold expressed his belief in returning to the England national team after a lengthy absence. The 27-year-old defender made his first start for the Three Lions in nearly two years during the recent 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic. Previously, Alexander-Arnold had fallen out of favour under manager Thomas Tuchel, missing out on the World Cup squad this summer due to his limited appearances.

His last outing for England occurred in June 2025, during a World Cup qualifier against Andorra. However, he made a significant impact upon his return, providing an assist for Anthony Gordon's opening goal in the match against the Czech Republic, who played with ten men for a portion of the game.

Following the match, Alexander-Arnold shared his feelings about representing his country again. He acknowledged the challenges faced when a team goes down to ten players, stating that it can make it more difficult to secure a win. He highlighted the importance of scoring early in the second half to maintain momentum and break down a compact defence.

Gordon praised Alexander-Arnold's assist, noting the skill and bravery required to make such a pass. He expressed excitement about playing alongside Alexander-Arnold, recognising his journey with the national team and character. England head coach Thomas Tuchel also commended Alexander-Arnold's performance, particularly the quality of his assist, which contributed to the team's success.

Looking ahead, England will face Croatia and the Czech Republic in their upcoming Nations League Group A3 fixtures. The team aims to build on their recent performance as they continue their campaign in the tournament.

via Sky Sports