Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to the England squad has yet to translate into playing time. Recalled by Thomas Tuchel in September after missing the 2026 World Cup, the Real Madrid full-back remained on the bench during England’s 3–2 defeat to Spain. According to the Daily Mail, he has now gone 478 days without playing for the Three Lions, with his last appearance coming as a substitute against Andorra on June 7, 2025. His last start came against Finland on October 13, 2024.
Alexander-Arnold’s situation has also become more complicated at club level since his move from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 2025. The 27-year-old has struggled to reproduce his best form and now faces strong competition for the right-back position, including from Denzel Dumfries.
He has started only three of Real Madrid’s eight matches this season, while he has also made two substitute appearances and stayed on the bench for three games. With England, competition from Jarell Quansah, Reece James, Tino Livramento and others has further reduced his opportunities.
Tuchel continues to back Quansah, who started against Spain, but Alexander-Arnold’s continued absence has raised questions, particularly when England needed creativity late in the game. With the Three Lions trailing 3–2 from the 74th minute, Tuchel introduced Morgan Gibbs-White, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jarrad Branthwaite but left the Real Madrid defender unused. Tuchel defended his choice by praising Quansah’s defensive qualities and offered little indication about when Alexander-Arnold might feature. With England facing the Czech Republic on Tuesday, the full-back now has another opportunity to end his long wait for international minutes.
