Tuchel turns to Alexander-Arnold as England’s defensive crisis deepens
England’s defensive uncertainty gives Tuchel a major selection dilemma
Thomas Tuchel’s England side arrive in Prague needing a Nations League victory, but the manager’s biggest concern is at the back. After keeping four clean sheets in 13 matches in 2026, England’s defensive record has deteriorated sharply since their previously flawless World Cup qualifying campaign.
England’s 3-2 defeat by Spain in their Nations League opener exposed both individual errors and collective weaknesses. Spain recorded an expected-goals figure of 3.08 from open play and could have built a decisive lead before Anthony Gordon equalised Lamine Yamal’s opener.
Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly were punished for mistakes, while England’s attempts to defend aggressively and push up the pitch created dangerous gaps. One breakdown saw Ezri Konsa step out to contest an Unai Simón clearance, allowing Ferran Torres to run through before James Trafford intervened.
A defence still searching for its best combination
Tuchel has favoured a mobile central-defensive pairing of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guéhi in seven of England’s past 13 matches, but neither the partnership nor the wider back four has become settled. Jarrad Branthwaite, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill remain relatively untested alternatives, while England have yet to find a convincing replacement for John Stones.
John Stones’ presence can force England into a deeper defensive shape, but his performance in the World Cup win over Norway showed the value of his experience, particularly when he helped contain Erling Haaland. Jordan Pickford has also endured uncertain moments, adding to Tuchel’s concerns.
The problems are not limited to the defenders. England are notably less secure when Declan Rice is absent, with his interceptions, positional discipline and ability to cover spaces central to the team’s structure. Injuries and withdrawals have further disrupted the manager’s plans: Reece James, Tino Livramento, John Stones, Djed Spence and Dan Burn are unavailable for this camp, while Nico O’Reilly and Ezri Konsa have followed individual training programmes.
Could Alexander-Arnold provide the missing creativity?
Trent Alexander-Arnold could make his first England appearance since a brief outing against Andorra in June 2025. Tuchel has examined eight right-back options since last selecting him and left him out of the World Cup because of concerns about his defensive reliability.
Yet England’s defensive record has hardly justified avoiding Alexander-Arnold. Reece James is Tuchel’s preferred right-back when fit, but another injury has removed him from the current squad. Lewis Hall could replace Nico O’Reilly at left-back, while Alexander-Arnold offers a route to greater control and creativity from the flank.
England’s recent defeats have exposed several vulnerabilities: Uruguay benefited from a deep cross, Japan counterattacked through midfield, Mexico exploited set pieces, Croatia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo targeted switches of play, and Spain cut through the centre. Against that backdrop, Tuchel may conclude that Alexander-Arnold’s creative strengths are worth the defensive risk.
England need a result against Czechia to keep their hopes of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals alive before travelling to face Croatia in Rijeka. A clean sheet would provide welcome reassurance, but the selection of Alexander-Arnold could signal that Tuchel is prioritising invention as he attempts to solve England’s defensive instability.