Real Madrid defender faces a make-or-break moment to save his World Cup dream | OneFootball

Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is entering a crucial phase of his season, with his place in the England national football team under serious threat. 

According to a report from AS, it has come to light that the right-back will use the final five La Liga matches to try and force his way into the World Cup squad, a challenge that looks difficult, but not impossible.

At this stage, the situation, at least on the surface, is simple for Alexander-Arnold. He needs to perform, and he needs to do it now. 

There is no room for mistakes, no extra time to prove himself. These next few matches will decide whether he stays in the conversation or falls out completely.

Strong role at Real Madrid

There is at least one positive for the Englishman, that, at Real Madrid, he has been given a clear role. 

Under Alvaro Arbeloa, he is now the preferred option at right-back ahead of Dani Carvajal. 

That trust gives him the platform he needs, but it also increases the pressure, as every performance will be closely watched, not just in Spain but also by the England staff.

His situation with England has been far from smooth. Since joining Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold has struggled to stay in the national team picture. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold faces defining moment. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Out of six recent squads, he has only been included once. That lack of continuity has made it harder for him to build momentum at the international level.

Bad luck with Tuchel

When Thomas Tuchel took charge of England in January 2025, Alexander-Arnold missed the first squad due to injury. 

He returned for the next selection, but that proved to be his last appearance in the squad for a while. 

Injuries again disrupted his chances, including a hamstring problem that kept him out during an important period.

More recently, the signs have been worrying, as he was left out of the November squad and, more importantly, also missed the March selection. 

That double omission has pushed him further down the pecking order and made his task even harder.

Now, everything comes down to these final fixtures. Real Madrid will face Espanyol, Barcelona, Real Oviedo, Sevilla and Athletic Club. Five games, five chances to impress.