Real Madrid News
Trent Alexander-Arnold elated after first England appearance in over a year: ‘Hopefully, the manager is happy’
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first start under Thomas Tuchel for England count, producing a trademark assist as the Three Lions defeated the Czech Republic 2-0.
The Real Madrid defender returned to the international setup and showed exactly why his creative qualities remain such an important part of his game.
England were facing a difficult low block, but Alexander-Arnold provided the moment of quality that opened the game up.
His cross for Anthony Gordon early in the second half gave England the breakthrough and settled the nerves after a first half affected by Pavel Sulc’s debatable red card for the Czech Republic.
Alexander-Arnold produces classic moment for England
The goal came from a situation that required quick thinking rather than patience.
A broken passage of play left Alexander-Arnold in possession on the right after a loose Czech pass.
With the opposition defence temporarily out of shape, the Real Madrid full-back immediately recognised that England had an opportunity.
There was no reason to wait for support or recycle possession. Alexander-Arnold instead got the ball out of his feet and delivered a cross into the area for Gordon to attack.
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England needed someone to exploit the space before the Czech defence could reorganise, and Alexander-Arnold did exactly that.
The assist ultimately helped England find a way through a stubborn defensive setup and put them on course for their first win.
Trent Alexander-Arnold earns Tuchel’s trust
The performance was particularly significant because it was Alexander-Arnold’s first start under Tuchel.
The Real Madrid defender has continued to fight for his place in the England setup, and the opportunity to start gave him the chance to demonstrate what he can offer under the new manager.
His attacking contribution was the clearest evidence. Against a side determined to defend deep, his ability to deliver dangerous balls from advanced positions provided England with another route towards goal.
The performance also came after a difficult period in which Alexander-Arnold had been waiting for a sustained opportunity with the national team.
After the final whistle, he spoke about the significance of returning to the starting XI.
“It’s always an honour and pleasure to represent your country. It’s been a long time, but I’ve always believed that I can play for England.
“That belief has always been there, it’s just about proving it at club level.
“The manager gave me the chance tonight to go out there and play, and I tried to follow what he asked of me to the best of my ability. Hopefully he is happy with how I played,” he said, as per Independent.
Real Madrid will welcome Alexander-Arnold’s confidence
For Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold’s performance is also encouraging.
The defender has been adapting to life at the Bernabeu while continuing to establish himself amid the competition from Denzel Dumfries.
Producing an assist on his return to the national team should give him additional confidence heading back to club football.
More importantly, his display showed that his greatest weapon remains intact: the ability to spot opportunities before defenders have time to react.
Real Madrid News
English legend backs Real Madrid star to become one of the all-time greats: ‘He’s got everything’
Jude Bellingham has spent the past fortnight as the most talked-about footballer in England, and the superlatives show no sign of slowing down.
A masterclass in the Nations League, a clutch of records and a second straight Player of the Year award has not gone unnoticed in English footballing media.
Now one of the English game’s most respected voices has added his name to the growing list of believers.
Lineker backs Bellingham
Asked whether Bellingham can go on to become one of the greatest players of all time, England legend Gary Lineker left no room for doubt.
“Yes, I’ve been saying it for a long time now. If he avoids serious injury or falls of the rails which he won’t I’m sure.
“He’s so good at football, he’s got everything. He’s a superstar and carries himself like a superstar,” he said (h/t Track Radio).
The verdict chimes comes in the midst of a wider chorus of acclaim in recent days. Roy Keane tipped him to become one of the greatest of all time after the Croatia rout, with Ian Wright and Micah Richards among others queuing up to praise him.
Backed by the numbers
The acclaim for Bellingham comes on the back of an extraordinary international break for Bellingham.
Against Croatia, Bellingham scored one and created three in the 7-0 win, becoming the first England player to record four goal involvements in a single game since David Platt in 1993.
He finished the window with one goal and four assists and was named UEFA’s Player of the Round.
That international excellence has carried over to the Bernabeu, where he has settled into a free number 10 role under Jose Mourinho and sits as the club’s joint-leading creator.
Bellingham was part of Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 win over Villarreal as well, and was unlucky not to register an assist when Vinicius Jr.’s goal was disallowed.
The Englishman will be looking to make an impact once again when Real Madrid take on AS Roma this Wednesday.
