How Thomas Tuchel unlocked Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s Nations League win

England’s Nations League campaign began with a 2-0 victory and a clean sheet as Thomas Tuchel found a way to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold’s qualities to the fore against the Czech Republic.

The hosts played for more than an hour with 10 men, providing Tuchel with a useful test as he continued to shape his side. Alexander-Arnold made his first start under the German manager, having appeared to become the obvious choice for a match in which England were expected to dominate possession.

That prediction proved correct, with the Czech Republic sitting deep and England pushing both full-backs high and wide. The approach sometimes left the wide areas too congested for Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon to operate effectively on the right.

England posed a far greater threat from the left in the first half, where Lewis Hall and Gordon developed an understanding that Saka and Alexander-Arnold did not replicate on the opposite flank.

“We never doubted his ability to produce this type of decisive pass,” Tuchel said of Alexander-Arnold. “Playing from a deeper position in the second half suited him better than pushing forward in the first half.”

Tuchel added: “Overall, I think we gave a good and professional performance. Of course, the red card, as always, has a major impact on the game, and an early red card can sometimes make the task more complicated psychologically.”

Tactical change gives Alexander-Arnold freedom

Tuchel introduced Eberechi Eze for Myles Lewis-Skelly at half-time, switching England to a 4-1-4-1 formation with Eze and Morgan Rogers operating as two number 10s behind Harry Kane.

Elliot Anderson became the team’s sole holding midfielder. The immediate benefit was the space created for Alexander-Arnold to move inside alongside Saka, giving him access to more dangerous areas.

He exploited that opening to deliver an excellent cross towards the far post, where Gordon attacked the ball and headed England in front. Gordon deserved full credit for the finish, having made the decisive run to meet the delivery.

The tactical adjustment also created ideal conditions for Alexander-Arnold. With the Czech Republic a player down, he was largely freed from defensive duties and given greater licence to influence the game.

He responded by helping England take control and by assuming a senior role when teenage forward Rio Ngumoha came on in the 71st minute.

Gordon was among England’s best performers, particularly in the opening period, and his partnership with Hall was one of the most effective features of the team’s display. His goal reflected the confidence he appears to have gained since his move to Barcelona, with his movement and composure in front of goal both evident.

Tuchel resisted the temptation to introduce Jude Bellingham in search of a goal. Instead, he turned to Eze’s creativity and ability to produce unexpected solutions, while encouraging England to circulate the ball at greater speed.

That sharper movement disrupted the Czech defensive shape. After Gordon’s goal, the hosts began attacking sporadically and the match opened up again.

England doubled their advantage before Bellingham entered the game, replacing Kane shortly after the captain had scored his 87th international goal.

“Kane proved he does not need to produce a brilliant performance to influence a game,” the Daily Mail analysis concluded, “which is a sign of his ability as a great striker and goalscorer.”