Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals Anthony Gordon message that created goal on England return

Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrated his England return with a trademark assist as a half-time conversation with Anthony Gordon paid dividends against the Czech Republic. With the hosts down to 10 men, Thomas Tuchel ’s side had been successfully frustrated before the break as a well-built Czech side settled in to their defensive shape. But it took just a couple of minutes after the resumption for Alexander-Arnold to create the opener, bending a brilliant ball to the back post for Gordon to steer home. Harry Kane later converted a second as England secured a much-needed win in Prague. There will have been plenty of satisfaction for Alexander-Arnold in a first England outing in nearly two years, and first at all since the arrival of Tuchel as manager. TRENT ➡️ GORDON ⚽️🔥 Anthony Gordon can't stop scoring for England, 3 goals in his last 3 games for England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #ITVFootball | @England pic.twitter.com/xmqPIULJ24 — ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 29, 2026 “I spoke to Ant to half time and said, ‘if I’m getting in those half spaces and looking to put it in, make sure you get to the back post’,” the Real Madrid right-back explained to ITV of the goal. “Of course, you don’t expect it to happen that quickly, but it did, and it worked. He’s a willing runner, it’s great to play with him. I was able to execute the pass. “It’s always an honour and pleasure to represent your country. It’s been a long time but I’ve always believed that I can play for England. That belief has always been there, it’s just about proving it at club level. “The manager gave me the chance tonight to go out there and play, and I tried to follow what he asked of me to the best of my ability. Hopefully he is happy with how I played.” Lewis Hall also made a first start in a reshaped backline for Tuchel after an injury to Nico O’Reilly. The Newcastle left-back combined well with Gordon down that flank, with the Barcelona winger continuing a productive run with a third goal in as many games for his country. The former Newcastle forward admitted, though, that he particularly relished getting the chance to play with Alexander-Arnold. “I make that run time and time again and only a certain number of players have that ability, technique and bravery to be willing to make the mistake trying that pass. That's why he's so good and I've been dying to play with him for that reason. "He's had his own journey with England. He would've liked to have played more than he has but he's been a great character during this camp, I've really enjoyed being around him." England continue their Nations League campaign against Croatia on Saturday.