Alexander-Arnold's World Cup Hopes in Doubt Despite Madrid Form

Trent Alexander-Arnold produced a moment of magic for Real Madrid in the Champions League this week, yet his England prospects under manager Thomas Tuchel appear increasingly uncertain. The 27-year-old right-back, who joined the Spanish giants on a free transfer last summer after his Liverpool contract expired, provided a superb assist in the quarter-final against Bayern Munich, delivering a precise cross for Kylian Mbappe's crucial goal.

However, the match also highlighted the duality of the defender's game. While his creative brilliance created a vital goal, his defensive positioning was exposed for Bayern's opening goal. This encapsulates the ongoing debate around the player: his exceptional, game-changing creative output versus the perceived defensive lapses that have often kept him out of the England set-up under Tuchel.

Since Tuchel's appointment as England manager at the start of 2025, Alexander-Arnold has earned just a single cap. The manager has consistently opted for other options at right-back, including the likes of Reece James, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, and Ben White, citing the need for defensive stability. Despite a recent return to form and fitness at Madrid, Alexander-Arnold was a notable absentee from England's most recent squad in March, with Tuchel stating he "knew what the player could offer" but preferred to assess other players in the camp.

Alexander-Arnold's first season in Madrid has been a mix of adaptation and resurgence. After a slow start and a mid-season injury, he has become a key figure since February, contributing four assists in his last 12 appearances. His world-class delivery remains his most potent weapon, a fact he demonstrated emphatically on the biggest stage against Bayern. Yet, his limited involvement in La Liga, with only nine starts, underscores a season of adaptation.

With the 2026 World Cup in North America just months away, the clock is ticking. Tuchel's system prioritises defensive solidity, and the consistent selection of more defensively-minded full-backs suggests a clear preference. While Alexander-Arnold's creative numbers for Madrid are compelling, his path to the England squad appears to be narrowing. For now, the player's focus remains on Madrid, where a La Liga and Champions League double is still a possibility, a success that would make his international omission all the more contentious. His recent social media post of "Madrid y nada mas" (Madrid and nothing else) perhaps says it all about his current focus.