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Tuchel watches key England stars in Madrid showdown
England manager Thomas Tuchel attended Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Tuesday, assessing three key players ahead of the national team's World Cup opener against Croatia on 17 June.
The high-stakes match at the Santiago Bernabéu provided a dramatic backdrop, with a sudden downpour adding to the spectacle as Bayern secured a 2-1 victory over the Spanish champions.
Alexander-Arnold's struggles under scrutiny
Trent Alexander-Arnold, the 27-year-old right-back who joined Real Madrid from Liverpool last summer, delivered a performance that may have reinforced Tuchel's reservations about his role in England's plans.
The former Liverpool player, omitted from Tuchel's 35-man squad for recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, was overlooked again when replacements were called, with Arsenal's Ben White preferred despite his own limited playing time this season.
Alexander-Arnold's night in Madrid did little to shift perceptions. His first-half display was error-prone, including a wayward pass that nearly gifted Bayern's Michael Olise a goal and a lapse in concentration that allowed former Liverpool teammate Luis Díaz to put Bayern ahead. His pass completion rate of 69.2% was the lowest on the pitch.
Yet, glimpses of his creative potential emerged in the second half. As Real Madrid rallied, Alexander-Arnold delivered dangerous set-pieces and provided a low cross for Kylian Mbappé to pull a goal back, offering a reminder of his attacking threat.
Bellingham and Kane impress in contrasting fashion
Jude Bellingham, recovering from a hamstring injury, entered the fray after an hour as Real Madrid's fortunes hung in the balance. His impact was immediate, driving the team forward with trademark runs and altering the tempo of the game. The performance will have strengthened his case for a starting role in England's World Cup campaign, though competition for the number 10 position remains fierce.
Harry Kane, Bayern Munich's captain and England's all-time top scorer, also delivered a decisive moment. After a sluggish start following a recent absence, Kane struck a precise low shot into the net shortly after halftime, underscoring his importance to both club and country. His goal, Bayern's second, proved pivotal in their victory.
"All the hype around it, coming to Madrid and trying to get a result, is always a difficult thing to do. We had some good chances, credit to them they did too. We're in the business end of the season now. We always feel dangerous-we always feel like we can score goals for sure."
Harry Kane
Tuchel's selection dilemmas persist
Tuchel's visit to Madrid provided further evidence of the challenges facing England's squad selection. While Kane and Bellingham reinforced their status as indispensable, Alexander-Arnold's inconsistent display may have done little to ease doubts about his place in the team.
The England manager has previously expressed concerns about the right-back's defensive capabilities, and Tuesday's match offered little to counter those reservations. With the World Cup looming, Alexander-Arnold faces an uphill battle to convince Tuchel of his readiness.
What's next for England's World Cup hopefuls
England's preparations for the World Cup continue, with the squad set to reassemble ahead of the tournament opener against Croatia. Tuchel's observations in Madrid will inform his final decisions, though the performances of Kane and Bellingham appear to have cemented their roles.
For Alexander-Arnold, the path forward remains uncertain. His ability to deliver consistent performances in the coming weeks could prove decisive in securing a place in England's plans.
