Trent Alexander-Arnold is optimistic about earning a recall to the England national team this week, though the Real Madrid right-back has admitted he has not yet spoken directly to manager Thomas Tuchel. After a challenging and injury-disrupted start to his debut season with the Spanish giants, Alexander-Arnold has recently rediscovered his best form, playing a key role in Real Madrid's progression to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Return to Form and Champions League Success
The defender was omitted from Tuchel's squad for England's World Cup qualifiers last August, amidst intense competition for full-back positions. However, his chances for a return have significantly improved ahead of upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. Tuchel is set to announce his squad on Friday, and Alexander-Arnold's prospects are bolstered by an injury to Chelsea captain Reece James, which has opened a potential vacancy in the defensive lineup.
Alexander-Arnold expressed his hopeful outlook to Amazon Prime Video, stating, "I haven't spoken to him... yet. Obviously the squad gets announced this week so hopefully I'm in that and able to go and represent my country, which is always an honour." The 27-year-old is eager to seize the opportunity to impress ahead of this summer's World Cup, highlighting the pride he feels in representing England on the international stage.
Impact of Coaching and Recent Performances
His resurgence at Real Madrid has been partly attributed to the influence of coach Alvaro Arbeloa, a former Liverpool right-back who replaced Xabi Alonso earlier in the season. Under Arbeloa's guidance, Alexander-Arnold has thrived, contributing to crucial victories such as the 5-1 aggregate win over Manchester City in the Champions League. In that match, Real Madrid survived early pressure from City before Vinicius Jr scored twice, securing a comfortable advancement and setting up a likely quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.
Reflecting on the importance of this period, Alexander-Arnold explained, "It's the most important time of the season. Every game is a cup final now. There is an expectation when you join this club that you go on and win this competition. The Champions League is embedded in the club. There is an expectation and that brings the best out of us." He emphasized the team's proactive mentality, noting that despite holding a three-goal advantage from the first leg, their strategy was to play positively and aim for victory rather than defensively sit back.
As the squad announcement approaches, Alexander-Arnold remains focused on maintaining his high performance levels with Real Madrid while awaiting a potential call-up that could reignite his international career. His recent displays suggest he is well-positioned to make a compelling case for inclusion, offering Tuchel a versatile and experienced option in defence as England prepares for critical fixtures ahead of the World Cup.
