Trent Alexander-Arnold still has work to do after Prague

"Good, both good." Thomas Tuchel's verdict after England's 2-0 win over Czech Republic in Prague was positive enough on the surface, but it did not sound like a manager closing the file on his right-backs. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered the cross for Anthony Gordon's opener and finished with an assist, yet his first international start in 716 days still felt like part of a trial, not a conclusion.

Tuchel's careful wording

Tuchel said the second-half position suited Trent more than the first, while Lewis Hall "did excellently on the other side." He also noted that England had now used all outfield players across the two matches. That is a coach still weighing options, even after a win and a decent performance from both full-backs.

The selection context matters too. Tuchel had used eight different players as starting right-backs before giving Alexander-Arnold a start, which tells you how unsettled the role has been. Trent played the full 90 minutes and posted a 7.79 rating, so the outing was productive. It still does not look like enough to settle the long-term question on its own.

Hall's case on the other side

Hall's night was strong as well. Ian Wright said Hall had "deserved a shot with England" and was now "proving his worth," while Roy Keane picked out the energy he brought every time the ball went to him. Hall also got two shots away and finished with a 7.21 rating on his fifth cap and only second start for England.

Tuchel's praise for both players leaves England with a simple reality after Prague, they have two full-backs who looked good in the same match, and neither has made the position feel locked down. Trent's assist and full 90 minutes will help his case, but the cautious language around him was just as telling as the delivery for Gordon.

England's next outing will bring another chance for Tuchel to make the call clearer, with the Czech Republic fixture now in the books and the right-back discussion still unresolved.