Tuchel praises Alexander-Arnold’s assist as McNulty urges more trust

England beat Czechia 2-0 in Prague to secure their first Nations League win of the campaign. Czechia’s Pavel Šulc was sent off after a video review upgraded a yellow card for a foul on Elliot Anderson. England could not turn their numerical advantage into a goal before half-time. [1]

Anthony Gordon headed in a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold shortly after the break. Harry Kane then scored England’s second with a low shot past goalkeeper Matěj Kovář. [1]

England had lost their opening match 3-2 at home to Spain, while Czechia had begun with a 2-1 defeat to Croatia. [1]

Update

England head coach Thomas Tuchel praised Trent Alexander-Arnold after his cross set up Anthony Gordon’s goal against Czech Republic. Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live that the right-back had made “an excellent assist” and played with a “top attitude”. He added that Alexander-Arnold’s deeper position in the second half suited him better than his higher role before the break. [2]

Writing for BBC Sport on 29 September, chief football writer Phil McNulty argued that Tuchel should give Alexander-Arnold more trust. It was the player’s first England start since October 2024, and he was the ninth right-back Tuchel had used in 24 matches. McNulty described Tuchel’s lack of trust as *apparent*: it was his assessment of the selection history, not a view expressed by the coach. [2]