Tuchel tells Alexander-Arnold it is 'now or never' to cement England place after Czech display

Thomas Tuchel has told Trent Alexander-Arnold that his England recall carries a ‘now or never’ edge, even as the head coach praised the Real Madrid full-back’s performance in England’s win over the Czech Republic.

Alexander-Arnold made his first England start in two years in that fixture and is pushing to retain his place against Croatia. Tuchel, who brought the 27-year-old in from the international wilderness, acknowledged the weight of competition for the right-back berth and made clear the former Liverpool defender must take full advantage of his opportunity during this Nations League camp.

“Once you are in camp it’s a big opportunity if other players are not here,” Tuchel said. “You can impress and mark your territory and show his true capacity that no one’s doubting.”

Tuchel was candid about the tactical challenge Alexander-Arnold presents. “Trent is a unique player. He is not a runner, he is not someone who runs through the last line, who does overlaps, underlaps,” he explained. “In combination with Bukayo Saka, Bukayo is normally used to a lot of movements around him. They need to find a way to not be too static. That’s maybe the challenge for Trent: to buy a little bit into a new idea and a bit out of his comfort zone.”

Despite those demands, Tuchel was effusive about what Alexander-Arnold produced against the Czech Republic. “He did very well. He had an excellent assist. Overall, like everyone, he was professional, top attitude and one decisive action,” the England manager said. He also noted that Alexander-Arnold appeared more comfortable in a deeper role in the second half than in the advanced position he occupied in the first.

Tuchel reflected on the broader context of Alexander-Arnold’s England career, pointing to a recurring pattern of competition and unavailability that has complicated the picture. “There is a little bit of a curse there as well. It was like that in the World Cup and obviously it doesn’t stop with me,” he said.

With Tuchel insisting it is “never too late to prove a point”, Alexander-Arnold will be eager to build on his encouraging return when England face Croatia.