The future of Trent Alexander-Arnold with the England national team is becoming increasingly uncertain. The Real Madrid full-back is enduring one of the most challenging periods of his career, as recurring injuries have prevented him from establishing himself in his debut season with the Spanish giants. His lack of consistency, coupled with Thomas Tuchel’s growing doubts, has drastically reduced his chances of making England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, for which the Three Lions have already secured qualification.

Why is his spot under threat?

Alexander-Arnold suffered a left hamstring injury during his European debut against Olympique de Marseille in September and is expected to remain sidelined until mid-November. Since October 2024, he has played just 23 minutes for England, missing the last two international call-ups — one due to a tactical decision, the other because of injury — and he’s unlikely to feature in the next squad either.

Tuchel hasn’t minced words when assessing the defender’s situation:

“If he wants to have the same impact he had at Liverpool, he must take the defensive side very, very seriously,”
said the German coach, who has favored Reece James and Tino Livramento in that position.

Who’s ahead of him in the pecking order?

Competition at right-back remains fierce. Reece James, who worked under Tuchel at Chelsea, appears to have a clear advantage. Meanwhile, players like Djed Spence, Tino Livramento, and even Curtis Jones — whom Tuchel has experimented with as a makeshift right-back — are increasing the pressure on Alexander-Arnold’s spot.

At club level, things aren’t much brighter. Between Dani Carvajal’s consistent form and his own injury setbacks, Alexander-Arnold has managed only 158 minutes in LaLiga and five in the Champions League before suffering his latest setback.

What must he do to turn things around?

At 27 years old, Alexander-Arnold is at a crossroads. After leaving Liverpool last summer, Real Madrid paid €10 million to bring him in early, hoping to integrate him ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. But persistent injuries have derailed those plans, leaving him on the sidelines during crucial months.

With less than a year until the World Cup kicks off, the Englishman must regain both his fitness and confidence to reclaim his spot for club and country. Otherwise, he risks being left out of England’s final squad — and seeing his Madrid adventure fade into a story of injuries, competition, and lost opportunities.

Time is running out, and the 2026 World Cup might come too soon for a player who once looked destined to be indispensable.