Thomas Tuchel has brought Trent Alexander-Arnold back into the England fold for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, but the head coach has been quick to remind the Real Madrid right-back that his defensive output remains under scrutiny.
The recall marks only the second time Tuchel has called upon Alexander-Arnold since taking charge, following his introduction against Andorra and Senegal in June of last year. On that occasion, Tuchel publicly urged the player to sharpen the defensive elements of his game, warning that any lapse could jeopardize England's World Cup ambitions. Alexander-Arnold came on as a substitute in the 64th minute against Andorra but was subsequently left out of the squad that traveled to North America for the tournament.
Despite starting just three of Real Madrid's seven matches so far this season and delivering relatively modest performances, Alexander-Arnold finds himself back in Tuchel's plans. The manager's stance on his defensive responsibilities, however, has not softened.
"He has to, it's necessary," Tuchel said when questioned about whether Alexander-Arnold contributes enough defensively. "My conviction is that he will but he has no choice."
Tuchel made clear he views Alexander-Arnold strictly as a right-back rather than in a midfield role, despite the player's reputation for expansive passing. The coach had previously indicated that both Tino Livramento and Jarell Quansah rank ahead of Alexander-Arnold in his right-back hierarchy, and both have been included in the squad for matches against Spain at home, Czechia home and away, and Croatia away.
Injuries to Reece James and Djed Spence, who can both operate at right-back, opened the door for Alexander-Arnold's return. Ben White, another player Tuchel said he would have considered, is also sidelined through injury. Ezri Konsa, who has previous experience at right-back despite being a centre-half by trade, has also been named in the squad.
Unlike before the World Cup snub, when Tuchel personally informed Alexander-Arnold of his exclusion, this recall came without a direct phone call. "He heard the good news over the nomination," Tuchel explained. "I am not sure a lot of things have changed. I know what he is capable of. I know about his talent. I know what he is saying: that he is desperate to play for England and he will fight for his shirt. It's a long camp and it's a good moment to show up. It's a chance for Trent to claim what he feels is his – his place on the right side. So here we go."
Alexander-Arnold was not the only notable name recalled. Jarrad Branthwaite, Lewis Hall, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Alex Scott, Cole Palmer, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all return to the fold, while uncapped Liverpool forward Rio Ngumoha earns his first call-up. Dean Henderson, John Stones, Dan Burn, and Jordan Henderson were all left out due to injury, while Noni Madueke, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney have been dropped from the squad.
Among those overlooked were Levi Colwill, Adam Wharton, Phil Foden, and Morgan Gibbs-White. Harry Maguire also missed out once again, having previously reacted strongly to his World Cup exclusion after being given hope through selections against Uruguay and Japan. Maguire had described himself as "shocked and gutted" on social media, with his mother Zoe calling the decision "disgusted."
Addressing that episode, Tuchel said: "I will not hold it against him for the rest of his life because I'm not that type of person. I can forget easily and quickly. But I didn't like it and it doesn't help." The coach confirmed he has not spoken with Maguire since.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.