Trent Alexander-Arnold has been handed an England opportunity by Thomas Tuchel, with the manager admitting the Real Madrid right-back may be facing a “now or never” moment to establish himself in the team.
Alexander-Arnold was left out of the World Cup squad but has been given the chance to impress during the current international break. Tuchel made clear that his selection represents an important opening for the 27-year-old.
Asked whether it was a “now or never” situation, Tuchel replied: “Good question. Maybe, maybe a little bit. You always have the chance, I would say.”
He added: “Once you are in camp it’s a big opportunity if other players are not here. You can impress and mark your territory and show his true capacity that no one’s doubting.”
How Trent Alexander-Arnold can strengthen his England case
Tuchel also identified the right-side partnership between Alexander-Arnold and Bukayo Saka as an area requiring development. He said Saka was accustomed to having plenty of movement around him and suggested that greater fluidity would be needed.
“Bukayo is normally used to a lot of movements around him. That brings normally the best out of Bukayo,” Tuchel said. “They need also to find a way to not be too static, to not be too ball-position focused, that we have on the right side movement through the last line and that we play with dynamic movement.”
The England manager said the challenge for Alexander-Arnold would be to adapt to a different approach rather than remain within his usual comfort zone.
“That’s maybe the challenge for Trent, to buy a little bit into a new idea and a bit out of his comfort zone. But he’s trying and it’s never too late to prove a point,” Tuchel said.
