Trent Alexander-Arnold hoping for England recall but ex-Liverpool teammate ahead of him
Trent Alexander-Arnold is looking to return to the England squad for upcoming friendlies, facing competition from former Liverpool teammate Jarell Quansah.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is in contention for a call-up to the England national team for two upcoming friendly matches at Wembley, potentially marking his return since June 2025. With England's head coach Thomas Tuchel set to announce his squad soon, Alexander-Arnold's form and fitness after playing for Real Madrid will be crucial factors in the selection process. The stakes are high, as England prepares for friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan later this month, serving as preparation for the World Cup.
Complicating matters for Alexander-Arnold is the apparent rise of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, who is seen as having already secured his place in the squad after his solid performance during his debut against Albania in November. Tuchel is reportedly impressed with Quansah, labeling him "a tiny bit ahead" of Alexander-Arnold in terms of current performance levels. This development adds internal competition for the right-back position, intensifying the battle for spots in the squad.
The coaching staff's lack of attendance at recent Real Madrid matches raises heightened speculation about their evaluation processes leading up to squad selection. Alexander-Arnold's fitness and readiness could be pivotal in influencing Tuchel's decisions, especially with the World Cup on the horizon, heightening the importance of these friendly encounters for both players involved.