Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

'This could be the end' - England star tipped to never feature again after what teammate has done

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Thomas Tuchel may have to deliver some crushing news to one England star following the latest results against Andorra and Serbia.

England thrashed Serbia 5-0 to end the international break on a high note, having been left frustrated by their simple win over Andorra in front of a packed-out Villa Park crowd.

Elliot Anderson has been a bright spark for the Three Lions, putting on two sensational displays despite not earning his first cap before this camp. Nonetheless, the Nottingham Forest star has taken it in his stride.

Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, and Marc Guehi all earned their first goals against Serbia on Tuesday, 9 September, but it was Reece James' performances that caught the eye for Adrian Durham.

Micah Richards is a huge fan of James, but given his position on the pitch, this could spell news for another star player on the international stage.

Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrating post-game for England
Trent Alexander-Arnold played no part in the recent England squad. (Credit: Getty Images)

Reece James could end Trent Alexander-Arnold's England career

"He's so good when he's fit, and we're just hoping he stays fit. This could be the end of Trent Alexander-Arnold's international career," he said on talkSPORT (10 September).

"When you think about it, if Reece James stays fit, does Trent get back in? Probably not. As good as he is, he's got to have a really good run at Real Madrid and produce to even get into the England squad."

Alexander-Arnold was not called up to the most recent squad by Tuchel, last featuring for the Three Lions against Andorra in June before being dropped to the bench when facing Senegal at the City Ground.

What has Thomas Tuchel said about Trent Alexander-Arnold?

Tuchel, as usual, has been very honest about the Real Madrid full-back, citing in May that the defender must bring a "single-minded focus" to the defensive side of his game [The Guardian].

He said: "I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions and gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort.

“This major impact that he had for Liverpool over so many years … if he wants to have this impact in the English national team, then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously."

The former Liverpool full-back's inabilities in the defensive third have been picked at over the years, not just on the pitch by the opposition, but also by many in the media.

Gareth Southgate continued to pick him, moving him into the centre of midfield due to his ability with the ball at his feet, but Tuchel is in no mood to experiment ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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