Trent Alexander-Arnold handed England World Cup boost despite Real Madrid nightmare
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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesTrent Alexander-ArnoldThe retirement of longtime England right-back Kyle Walker from the national team could open the door for ex-Reds star Trent Alexander-Arnold at the 2026 World CupTrent Alexander-Arnold has represented England 34 times(Image: Getty Images)Former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold seemed like a future mainstay in the England national team when he made the Three Lions' 2018 World Cup squad as a teenager.Now a 26-year-old, Alexander-Arnold has only 34 caps for his national team, thanks in part to his up-and-down form. However, he was handed a boon toward future opportunities on Tuesday as long-time starter Kyle Walker announced his international retirement.Walker, 35, announced the decision via England's social media channels.
GalatasarayWith Alexander-Arnold struggling for both reliable form and fitness after a nightmarish transfer to Real Madrid this summer, Walker's retirement comes at an ideal time for the former Liverpool defender.With Walker out of the picture, Alexander-Arnold has one less player to compete with for the starting right-back position in England coach Thomas Tuchel's team.Content cannot be displayed without consentWalker has started practically every important game for the Three Lions in each of the last five tournaments (the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Euros).The 35-year-old made his debut for England at Wembley in 2011, coming on for his current Burnley manager Scott Parker in a 1-0 win over Spain. Walker's last appearance came against Senegal last summer.Alexander-Arnold (M) and Kyle Walker (L) represented England together at three major tournaments(Image: Getty Images)Alexander-Arnold has two assists in 947 minutes (across all competitions) for Real Madrid this season, splitting time with Dani Carvajal and Federico Valverde at right-back.He'll still have to compete with Chelsea's Reece James — England's presumed starter, should he stay fit — Newcastle's Tino Livramento (also an injury risk), Tottenham's Djed Spence, and a host of others for the starting job at the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE: Liverpool quartet questioned over 'awful' Galatasaray goal in Champions LeagueREAD MORE: Galatasaray star suspended for Liverpool second leg after late Champions League incidentIn England's last game, ex-Reds defender Jarrell Quansah started out of position at right-back in a match against Albania.
James started the match before.Alexander-Arnold's last start for England game in an October 2024 3-1 win against Finland, where he had an assist and looked like one of the best players on the pitch.He missed the 2020 Euros through injury, made a single appearance at the 2022 World Cup, and was a frequently-used substitute at the 2024 Euros in Germany. Alexander-Arnold has four goals for England.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Trent Alexander-ArnoldLiverpool FCEngland Football Team