Fifteen months is a long time to be out of an England squad. For a player once considered undroppable, it has been a chastening stretch.
Back in the Squad
Tuchel recalled Alexander-Arnold on September 18 for England’s Nations League camp, his first involvement since June 2025. The full squad picture is covered in our England recall breakdown.
A Difficult Madrid Chapter
His move to Real Madrid has not gone smoothly. He endured a hostile reception on his return to Anfield in a Champions League defeat, was repeatedly left out of Tuchel’s squads through a mix of injuries and form, and missed England’s World Cup squad altogether as the team went on to finish third.
Why He’s Back Now
- Regular minutes in a Real Madrid side rebuilding after a trophyless 2025/26 campaign
- Injuries across England’s defensive options, with Reece James, John Stones, Djed Spence and Dan Burn all absent
- Tuchel’s stated emphasis on current club performances over reputation
The Competition
He returns to a defensive group featuring Newcastle’s Tino Livramento and Manchester City pair Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly, meaning nothing is guaranteed. Spain at Wembley will be the sternest possible audition.
The Madrid Context
Alexander-Arnold is part of a Madrid squad rebuilding around Kylian Mbappe and a returning Jude Bellingham, both covered in our Bellingham update and Mbappe form guide.