Tuchel credits Alexander-Arnold after England's 2-0 win over Czechia

Thomas Tuchel praised Trent Alexander-Arnold after the defender helped England beat Czechia 2-0 away from home in the Nations League on Tuesday. According to the Guardian, the Real Madrid right-back was making his first England appearance since June 2025, having missed out on a place in the World Cup squad. The victory followed England's defeat to Spain.

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Alexander-Arnold supplied the cross for Anthony Gordon's opening goal early in the second half. Czechia had already been reduced to 10 men when Pavel Sulc was sent off with the match still goalless. Harry Kane added England's second late in the game, completing a result that left Tuchel's side second in Group A3 after Spain beat Croatia 4-1.

Tuchel said Alexander-Arnold benefited from operating deeper after the interval rather than occupying the more advanced position he had taken up in the first half. The manager credited his reliability in possession, defensive work and ability to create a goal with his delivery. He also acknowledged that the dismissal had substantially affected the contest, while stressing the importance of England maintaining their concentration.

The evening also brought another spell as captain for Jude Bellingham, who began among the substitutes and took the armband after replacing Kane in the closing stages. Tuchel noted that Bellingham had previously captained England against New Zealand before the World Cup. He described the responsibility as an honour and indicated that a player entrusted with it at the end of matches could eventually hold the role permanently.

Bellingham's place on the bench reflected caution over his workload, Tuchel explained. The manager said they had discussed his role and considered starting him again, but judged that around 30 minutes would be enough. Although Bellingham had handled quick turnarounds before, he had not done so during the current season, and England did not want to be the first to test that demand.

England's next fixture is away to Croatia on Saturday. Tuchel hopes Manchester City left-back Nico O'Reilly can return from injury for that game, the Guardian reported. His availability remains uncertain; the manager's comments expressed a hope of having him back rather than confirmation that he would be fit.