Thomas Tuchel's apparent reluctance to trust Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a recurring theme of his England tenure. After a decisive performance against the Czech Republic, however, the Real Madrid defender has given his head coach something significant to consider.
Alexander-Arnold, 27, had not started for England since October 2024, when interim manager Lee Carsley selected him at left-back in a 3-1 Nations League victory over Finland.
Since then, he has won the Premier League with Liverpool and moved to Real Madrid, yet remained on the fringes of the national team. He was left out of England's World Cup squad last summer despite Tuchel repeatedly searching for solutions at right-back.
His recall for this four-game Nations League camp therefore came as something of a surprise.
Alexander-Arnold finally received his opportunity against the Czech Republic in Prague, becoming the ninth right-back used by Tuchel across 24 matches. England arrived looking to respond to a 3-2 defeat by world champions Spain at Wembley.
And with something to prove, Alexander-Arnold produced the type of moment few others competing for his position can replicate.
England controlled much of the contest but struggled to break down a Czech side reduced to 10 men after Pavel Sulc was sent off in the 25th minute for a reckless challenge on Elliot Anderson.
Two minutes after half-time, Alexander-Arnold provided the breakthrough.
After initially making a 70-yard run forward to support England's attack, the defender regained possession when the move broke down. He then delivered a superb right-footed cross beyond three Czech defenders, allowing Anthony Gordon to score with a stooping header.
It was a reminder of Alexander-Arnold's outstanding creative ability and the qualities that distinguish him from England's other right-back options.
Questions over his defensive game have followed him throughout his international career, although the Czech Republic rarely tested those areas in Prague.
For Tuchel, the challenge is deciding whether Alexander-Arnold's exceptional qualities in possession outweigh those concerns. On this evidence, he deserves further opportunities to provide the answer.
Tuchel praised his performance after the match.
"He did very well. He had an excellent assist," the England coach told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Overall, like everyone, he was professional, top attitude and one decisive action."
Tuchel added that England had never doubted Alexander-Arnold's ability to produce such assists, while suggesting a deeper position in the second half suited him better than the more advanced role he occupied before the break.
Gordon was particularly appreciative of the delivery that created his goal.
The England forward explained that he regularly makes those runs but only a limited number of players possess the technique and courage to attempt such a difficult pass.
Gordon also praised Alexander-Arnold's attitude during the camp, acknowledging that the defender would have wanted more opportunities during his England career.
The statistics underlined his attacking influence.
Only Elliot Anderson, with 41, completed more passes in the final third than Alexander-Arnold's 32. Gordon created four chances, while Alexander-Arnold produced three.
Those numbers highlight the attacking dimension Alexander-Arnold can bring to Tuchel's side.
Tuchel is not the first England manager to wrestle with the question of how best to use Alexander-Arnold.
Sir Gareth Southgate experimented with him in midfield at Euro 2024, but the move proved short-lived. Alexander-Arnold was substituted after 54 minutes of England's second group match against Denmark, and the experiment was subsequently abandoned.
His long-term international role remains unresolved.
More could become clear if Tuchel retains him for Saturday's behind-closed-doors meeting with Croatia in Rijeka. With Alexander-Arnold turning 28 on 7 October, this camp represents an important opportunity to establish himself in Tuchel's plans.
Alexander-Arnold was understandably delighted to return to the starting XI.
"It was amazing. It's always an honour to represent my country," he said. "It's been a long time, but I've always believed I can play for England."
He added that his focus had been on proving himself at club level before taking the opportunity provided by Tuchel.
Alexander-Arnold could hardly have made a stronger attacking case in Prague.
England eventually secured the victory through captain Harry Kane, who scored his 87th international goal in 123 appearances, but Alexander-Arnold's contribution may prove one of the more significant moments to emerge from the night.
For Tuchel, the question is now whether that performance earns the Real Madrid defender something he has rarely enjoyed during this England era: a sustained run of trust.
