Tuchel tells Alexander-Arnold to improve defending

Manager Thomas Tuchel has told Trent Alexander-Arnold he needs to improve his "defensive discipline" if he is to help England to win a major tournament.

The 26-year-old has been named in the Three Lions squad for upcoming games against Andorra and Senegal, having been injured for the March camp.

The outgoing Liverpool right-back is admired for his offensive ability and is expected to complete a switch to Real Madrid this summer.

However, the German says the vulnerability he shows when defending needs to be addressed.

"I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions, and gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort," Tuchel said.

"This major impact that he had for Liverpool over so many years, if he wants to have this impact in the English national team, then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously.

"Because when we are talking, especially, about qualifying football and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100% awake, can be decisive, can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home."

Speaking on Friday, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he had spoken to Alexander-Arnold about his defending and stressed he "could do a bit more, to say it mildly" in training to improve, but that he was a better defender than people give him credit for.

England face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on 7 June, before welcoming Senegal to Nottingham Forest's City Ground for a friendly on 10 June.

"Now is the moment to get to know him," added Tuchel.

"I know him. I played against him. I had phone calls with him. But now is the moment to feel him for nine or 10 days, feel him around the squad, see what he can do, what he can bring, and then from there we go."