Alexander-Arnold Says He Always Believed He Would Return to England Team

Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has said he always believed he would return to the England team after making his first start for the country in almost two years.

The 27-year-old started at right-back as England defeated the Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague on Tuesday, providing the assist for Anthony Gordon’s opening goal.

Alexander-Arnold had not played for England since June 2025, when he featured in a World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

He subsequently fell out of favour under head coach Thomas Tuchel and was left out of England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking after his return to the starting line-up, Alexander-Arnold said he had remained confident of playing for his country again.

“It’s been a long time but I’ve always believed that I can play for England and I always want to,” he said.

The defender said his focus had been on proving himself at club level and taking advantage of any opportunity given to him by Tuchel.

“The belief is always there, it’s about proving it at club level. The manager gave me the chance tonight to play and to try to follow what he asked me to the best of my ability,” he said.

Alexander-Arnold made an immediate impact when his cross was headed in by Gordon shortly after half-time to give England the lead.

Gordon praised the defender’s quality and bravery in producing the pass, saying he had been looking forward to playing alongside him for England.

“Only a certain type of player has got the technique, ability and bravery to make that pass,” Gordon said.

Tuchel also praised Alexander-Arnold’s display after England secured their first Nations League victory of the campaign.

The England manager had previously said the defender was “never non-selectable” but had chosen not to include him in previous squads.

Alexander-Arnold said England’s victory became more difficult after the Czech Republic were reduced to 10 men following Pavel Sulc’s first-half red card.

“They get very compact and defend with a lot of players, we have a lot of the ball but it’s hard to break them down,” he said.

England eventually added a second goal through captain Harry Kane to secure the 2-0 victory and get their Nations League campaign back on track.