One moment of brilliance could shift Tuchel's view of Alexander-Arnold
England coach Thomas Tuchel finally started Trent Alexander-Arnold, who repaid the trust with a superb assist for Anthony Gordon's goal in a win over the Czech Republic.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has long appeared reluctant to trust defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who since his last international start has won the Premier League with Liverpool and joined Real Madrid. The 27-year-old was left out of last summer's World Cup squad despite right-back being a troublesome position for Tuchel.
So it was a surprise when Alexander-Arnold was recalled for this Nations League camp. Against the Czech Republic in Prague, he became the ninth right-back Tuchel has used in 24 games in charge.
The decisive moment
England struggled to break down the Czechs, who played with ten men after an early red card in the 25th minute. Two minutes into the second half, Alexander-Arnold, after making a lengthy attacking run, won back possession and delivered a precise right-footed pass over three defenders, allowing Anthony Gordon to score with a header.
Tuchel praised the performance afterwards, saying he never doubted Alexander-Arnold's ability to produce such assists and that the deeper position suited him better in the second half. Gordon praised his teammate's courage and technique in attempting the pass.
Statistics showed Alexander-Arnold was England's second-most active player in the final third with 32 passes and created three chances. England secured victory as captain Harry Kane scored his 87th goal in 123 caps.
England's next match, against Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday, will be played behind closed doors and could prove pivotal for Alexander-Arnold's international future.
