Alexander-Arnold may have played his last England game after what Reece James did vs Serbia
Trent Alexander-Arnold faces fierce competition to land a place in the England squad, and he’s currently struggling to prove his worth.
Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool to join Real Madrid in the summer, but a hamstring injury and a worrying run of form have hampered his chances of impressing Xabi Alonso.
The Reds academy graduate has failed to score or assist in any of his seven matches for Real while losing his place in Thomas Tuchel’s plans in the process.
Alexander-Arnold has missed out on the last three England squads either due to injury or poor form, with the German preferring Chelsea’s Reece James in that position.
Tuchel worked with James during his time at Stamford Bridge, making the pair a match made in heaven internationally.
Reece James was incredible for England vs Serbia
Two natural right-backs were named in Tuchel’s squad, with Tottenham’s Djed Spence joining James for the third international break in a row.
As it stands, the Chelsea superstar is by far the nation’s best starting right-back, and he proved why during England’s 2-0 win over Serbia in World Cup qualifying.
| Reece James stats vs Serbia |
| 90 minutes played |
| 80/82 accurate passes (98%) |
| 3/3 (100%) accurate long balls |
| 96 touches |
| 2/3 ground duels won |
| 6 recoveries |
Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze may have grabbed the goals, but as a powerful and explosive attacking outlet down the right flank, James was world-class.
Ridiculous from Reece James 😮💨#EQSkills | @AlipayPlus pic.twitter.com/kk3lhv1zXO
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) November 13, 2025
Combining elegance in possession with powerful ball-carrying and an even better end product, James was almost flawless against Serbia, and his performance will be remembered for the remarkable flick he pulled off after playing a one-two with Jude Bellingham.
Why James is preferred over Trent Alexander-Arnold
It’s incredible to think what the Chelsea talent could have achieved without injuries, but supporters are hoping the worst of his issues are behind him.
James will always be preferred over Alexander-Arnold when fully fit, and that is due to what he offers England in and out of possession.
While the pair are pretty close when it comes to comparing their ability on the ball, most notably their crossing and press resistance; however, there is only one winner off the ball.
Alexander-Arnold’s major flaw throughout his career has been defending, whether that’s against a speedy winger one-on-one or being positionally aware enough to read danger.
That is why the former Liverpool man is nowhere near the level of James, who is arguably one of the world’s best at defending dangerous attackers.