Lineker fires back at Tuchel over Alexander-Arnold: defense still matters
17 February 2026
Backlash to Tuchel's Trent Alexander-Arnold remarks
Gary Lineker, the iconic England striker, slammed the comments made by England boss Thomas Tuchel about Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold moved on a free transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid last summer, but has struggled to hit the expected standard at the Bernabéu, hampered by recurring injuries.
Tuchel suggested Alexander-Arnold's defensive responsibilities were lacking, saying he relies heavily on his attacking contributions but does not give enough attention to defensive discipline and effort.
If he wants to have the same impact as at Liverpool for England, he must take the defensive side seriously. In big competitions, one defensive lapse can be the moment you pack your bags and go home.
In The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker fired back: Tuchel's remarks are not supportive; it's a very odd comment.
He argued that Alexander-Arnold is among the world's best attacking players, and that defending is a shared task and not his sole duty.
Lineker added that playing him in an advanced role brings trade-offs; not everyone can be perfect in every aspect.
Lineker also noted that public criticisms of players by coaches are not helpful; private conversations are better to address issues.
In a separate note, the article references a Champions League clash context, with Benfica facing Real Madrid in the same period. Benfica's crest and Real Madrid's crest appear in a linked match header, illustrating the ongoing competition landscape.
Another passage discusses the idea that Alexander-Arnold was once considered a midfield player who shifted to right-back, and that such positional changes can be challenging for a player of his profile.
Lineker emphasized that public statements by coaches should be avoided; private dialogue is the way to go when dealing with individual issues.
Two lighter notes to close: first, a playful jab that defense can be as important as fashion; second, a quip about a defender’s role becoming invisible only when needed.
Punchline 1: If defense were a sniper shot, Trent would be aiming perfectly at the goal—just not every time.
Punchline 2: If defending were an app, Trent would need a firewall and a good sense of humor to stay ahead of the bugs.
