Trent Alexander-Arnold “always believed” he could play for England again following his period in the international wilderness under Thomas Tuchel.

The 27-year-old defender made his first start for the Three Lions in almost two years in the 2-0 win over Czech Republic.

Alexander-Arnold had fallen out of favour under Tuchel over the past year or so, missing out on the World Cup squad this summer.

The Real Madrid player’s last appearance for the national team came in June 2025, in a World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

But the former Liverpool defender made a good impression on his return, grabbing an assist for Anthony Gordon’s opening goal as England swatted aside 10-man Czech Republic.

Alexander-Arnold told ITV Sport: “It was amazing, always an honour and pleasure to represent my country.

“It’s been a long time but I’ve always believed that I can play for England and I always want to.

“The belief is always there, it’s about proving it at club level. The manager gave me the chance tonight to play and to try to follow what he asked of me to the best of my ability. Hopefully he’s happy with how I played.”

On England’s overall performance, he added: “I think it was good. They go down to 10 and there’s more pressure on us to win, but it actually makes it more difficult. They get very compact and defend with a lot of players, we have a lot of the ball but it’s hard to break them down.

“We got that early on in the second half which is what we needed. The longer that game goes on as a 0-0, it gets harder, they gain belief they can hold out and it was good to get that second goal.”

Gordon was full of praise for Alexander-Arnold’s assist that opened the scoring for England.

He said: “I make that run time and time again and only a certain type of player has got the technique, ability and bravery to make the mistake playing that pass. Credit to Trent, that’s why he’s so good. I’ve been dying to play with him for that reason.

“Trent’s had his own journey with England. He would have liked to have played more than he has but he’s a great character. He’s a great addition.”

Tuchel praises Alexander-Arnold performance

England head coach Thomas Tuchel speaking to ITV on the quality of Alexander-Arnold’s assist:

“Yeah, not a lot could convert it! There was an awful lot for him to do, to guide it into the far post was an excellent finish. A good pass and a good goal.

“[Alexander-Arnold and Lewis Hall] were both good. The position in the second half suited Trent a little bit more than in the first half, and Lewis was excellent on the other side.

“We’ve used all outfield players in the first two games and credit to them.”

England’s upcoming Nations League Group A3 fixtures

Saturday October 3: Croatia (A), kick-off 5pm

Tuesday October 6: Czech Republic (H), kick-off 7.45pm