Overview
- Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Gary Lineker called Thomas Tuchel’s May remarks about Trent Alexander-Arnold “a very bizarre statement” and said managers should not attack players in public.
- Lineker argued Alexander-Arnold’s attacking gifts could make him a top-level midfielder, pushing back on the emphasis placed on his defensive lapses.
- Alexander-Arnold registered an assist on his first start since injury in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, a timely boost to his case.
- Spanish coverage softened after the display, with Marca asking “David Beckham back at the Bernabeu?” in praising his passing range.
- Alexander-Arnold has made only one England appearance under Tuchel, with matches against Uruguay on March 27 and Japan on March 31 preceding the manager’s final pre-World Cup selection.