Trent Alexander-Arnold finds his role as Thomas Tuchel’s tactical change unlocks England

England began their UEFA Nations League campaign with three points, two goals and a clean sheet as Thomas Tuchel’s tactical adjustment helped Trent Alexander-Arnold make a decisive contribution against the Czech Republic.

The hosts played for more than an hour with 10 men, offering Tuchel a useful test as he searched for the right balance in his side. Alexander-Arnold started for the first time under the German manager, after Tuchel appeared to conclude that there was no longer a reason to leave out the Real Madrid player.

The Daily Mail’s post-match analysis said there was “logic behind his selection”, given England had expected to enjoy long periods of possession – a prediction that proved accurate.

The Czech Republic defended deep, while England pushed both full-backs forward and towards the flanks. That positioning may have been too aggressive, however, as it reduced the space available to the wingers and left the final third congested.

England posed a far greater threat on the left during the first half, where Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon developed an effective understanding. On the opposite side, Bukayo Saka and Alexander-Arnold did not appear to have the same natural connection.

Tuchel said afterwards: “We never doubted his ability to deliver this type of decisive pass.”

He added: “Playing from a deeper position in the second half suited him better than pushing forward in the first half.”

The manager continued: “Overall, I think we gave a good and professional performance. Of course, the red card, as always, has a huge effect on the game, and an early red card can sometimes make the task more complicated psychologically.”

Eze gives Alexander-Arnold room to attack

Tuchel changed the shape at half-time by replacing Myles Lewis-Skelly with Eberechi Eze. England then operated with two number 10s, Morgan Rogers joining Eze behind Harry Kane in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

Elliot Anderson became the sole holding midfielder, immediately creating an inviting channel for Alexander-Arnold to advance inside alongside Saka. The change allowed the full-back to receive the ball in a dangerous area before delivering an excellent cross for Gordon to head home.

Gordon deserved full credit for attacking the delivery at the far post. The analysis suggested he has gained confidence since moving to Barcelona, and that belief was evident in his movement and his finish.

Alexander-Arnold also benefited from the circumstances. Facing a side reduced to 10 men gave him the freedom to play with fewer defensive responsibilities, allowing his attacking ability to come to the fore. He took that opportunity, helped England move ahead and also adopted a senior role when 19-year-old Rio Ngumoha came on in the 71st minute.

Gordon was among England’s best players, particularly in the first half, when his partnership with Hall stood out. His performance was rewarded when he converted Alexander-Arnold’s cross with a header from the far post.

Tuchel resisted the temptation to introduce Jude Bellingham in search of a goal. Instead, he chose Eze’s creativity and ability to produce unexpected solutions, while England increased the speed of their passing.

That sharper movement disrupted the Czech Republic’s defensive shape. After Gordon’s opener, the hosts began making occasional attacking attempts and the game opened up again.

England went two goals ahead before Bellingham entered, replacing Kane shortly after the captain had scored his 87th international goal. The report concluded that Kane had shown he did not need a spectacular performance to influence a match – another indication of his qualities as a great striker and goalscorer.