Alexander-Arnold fails to ease Tuchel concerns as Kane stars

Real Madrid’s encounter with Bayern Munich offered England’s head coach Thomas Tuchel a chance to observe key players in action, but the match proved to be a test of their adaptability. The Champions League clash, played under dramatic weather conditions, highlighted contrasting performances from those under his scrutiny, particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose mixed display raised questions about his World Cup prospects.

Tuchel arrived at the Bernabeu for his latest World Cup scouting mission, seeking insights into Real’s squad. His attention was focused on Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, and Bayern’s captain Harry Kane, the team’s primary goal threat. While Kane’s contribution was clear, Alexander-Arnold’s struggles persisted, with Tuchel’s doubts seemingly reinforced by his performance.

No contact, no World Cup place? What went wrong for Alexander-Arnold?

Alexander-Arnold’s night began with a lackluster first half, where he struggled to maintain composure. A poor pass directly to Michael Olise nearly handed Bayern a goal, and he was caught offside by former Liverpool teammate Luis Diaz, allowing the visitors to take the lead. His pass completion rate of 69.2%—the lowest among all players in the match—underscored his inconsistency.

Despite these setbacks, Alexander-Arnold later showcased moments of potential. He delivered dangerous set-pieces and set up a low cross for Kylian Mbappé, who netted a goal in stoppage time. Yet, such flashes did little to sway Tuchel’s stance, as his selection for the World Cup remains uncertain.

Bellingham, meanwhile, was a revelation in the second half. After sitting out the first hour due to a hamstring injury, he erupted with energy, driving Real’s attack with surging runs and altering the game’s tempo. His performance, though brief, highlighted his value and raised questions about Tuchel’s reluctance to start him.

Kane’s impact was even more decisive. His second goal of the match sealed Bayern’s victory, further cementing his status as England’s all-time top scorer with 78 goals in 112 caps. Tuchel’s concerns for Kane centered solely on fitness, as his world-class ability remains unquestionable.

England’s squad for the World Cup now faces scrutiny, with Tuchel’s choices reflecting both form and strategic priorities. The challenge for Alexander-Arnold is whether he can turn his performance around before the tournament, but his uneven display may have made it harder to convince the coach of his worth.

England looked toothless without him against Uruguay, a stark reminder of Kane’s importance. As the match concluded, Tuchel’s selections for the upcoming campaign appeared more settled, with Kane and Bellingham standing out as critical assets.