Trent Alexander-Arnold has long been one of England’s most talented full-backs, but his international career hasn’t always run smoothly under successive Three Lions managers, resulting in his lack of presence at the 2026 World Cup

That awkward relationship with his national side has led some fans down an unusual rabbit hole: could he have actually represented a different country altogether?

The question resurfaced after the Real Madrid man opened up about his family background in an interview, revealing a transatlantic connection that surprised plenty of supporters.

How Trent Alexander-Arnold Was Eligible for Another Nation

The discussion stems from comments back when he was a Liverpool player in 2023. Speaking to Men in Blazers about his mother, who was born in the United States. He explained his fondness for the country, saying:

That maternal link meant Alexander-Arnold was technically eligible to play for the US under FIFA’s nationality rules, which allow players to represent a country through a parent or grandparent’s birthplace, provided they haven’t already been capped elsewhere in a competitive fixture.

Had he picked the USMNT, Trent could be playing a pivotal role in Mauricio Pochettino’s side, rather than watching the competition from home. He’d certainly be a popular figure and the talisman in the American squad.

Why Trent Can’t Switch Allegiance Now

Despite that eligibility, the door is firmly shut. Alexander-Arnold has appeared for England in numerous competitive fixtures, which permanently ties him to the Three Lions under FIFA’s switching regulations. Had his only appearances come in friendlies, a U-turn would theoretically have remained possible, but that ship sailed long ago.

There’s an intriguing family thread running through all this, too. Alexander-Arnold’s mother, Dianne, was born in the United States to his grandmother, Doreen Carling, who was once in a relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson before relocating to New York and marrying there.

Tottenham are one of the clubs considering a summer move for West Ham ace Crysencio Summerville, according to The Guardian.

The north London club have already completed four transfer deals for the 2026/27 season, and they show no sign of slowing down for head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka have all signed on the dotted line, with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes potential further additions as Spurs look to give De Zerbi all the tools he needs after surviving an almighty relegation scare last season.

Tottenham certainly require attacking reinforcements after a real lack of goals from their attacking players during the 2025/26 campaign saw them plunged into relegation trouble.

In the end, it was Summerville and West Ham who were relegated to the Championship on the final day, but the Dutchman looks on course to secure a move away from the Hammers ahead of the new term with clubs interested in his services.

Summerville will not want to play in the Championship after the World Cup

West Ham are certainly not going to be short on suitors for Summerville as they prepare for life in the Championship with many top stars expected to depart.

As well as interest from Tottenham, The Guardian report that Chelsea and Manchester United are also tracking the winger as they get their squads in place for the new season.

Interest in Summerville may only increase over the next couple of months after so far catching the eye for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.

The 24-year-old has netted in both of his country’s opening two games against Japan and Sweden, with the player looking to continue his hot streak in the early hours of Friday morning in their final Group F clash against Tunisia.

In what was a disastrous season for West Ham, the left-winger netted seven goals in all competitions for the east London club, including the opening goal in their 2-1 win over Tottenham in January.

Will it be Summerville or Savinho for Spurs?

via Reuters

Another attacking player who has been mentioned in regards to a move to Tottenham this summer is Manchester City ace Savinho.

Unable to strike a deal for the Brazilian 12 months ago, a move could possibly materialise this summer with a fee of £60million mentioned.

Talk of Savinho swapping City for Spurs appears to have died down of late, with all the attention firmly focused on Tonali and Fernandes at present.

Just like Summerville, Savinho operates from the left-flank but the former Girona man is also comfortable playing from the right.

Summerville did fare better in terms of numbers during the 2025/26 campaign after contributing seven goals and five assists in 34 games compared to Savinho’s four goals and three assists in 36 outings.

With the summer transfer window now open for business, Manchester United are hard at work trying to find players to improve their team, with The Athletic claiming that one target may now be available in the market.

The Red Devils have already sealed a deal to sign Ederson, though confirmation of the transfer switch from Atalanta is still pending at this stage.

There is interest in Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, but intense competition from rivals Tottenham, along with a high transfer fee, is making a potential deal awkward to seal for the pair.

That could see Man United switch focus in the midfield market towards another option, who is now seemingly available.

Aurelien Tchouameni Transfer Chance

Action Images

Man United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid ace Aurelien Tchouameni as one of several potential midfield options on the cards this summer.

A deal for the France international has appeared complicated. However, the door for a switch may well have opened up in the summer transfer window.

That’s because The Athletic reports that Real Madrid are considering offers for Tchouameni this summer, with hopes that an exit will help create room for another midfield signing.

The 26-year-old is claimed to be of interest to Man United, who are looking at their own midfield ranks for potential replacements for Casemiro.

Tchouameni has previously been described as a “dream” signing for the Red Devils, who may finally get their chance to land him in the coming weeks.

It is all likely to depend on the fee that Real Madrid require, which may not come cheap, while the player’s own personal terms could prove costly as well.

It remains to be seen whether Man United will push through with a move, as they wait for their next big call in the midfield ranks.

Man United Midfield Pressure

via Reuters

Manchester United are facing increasing pressure to get their next midfield signing through the door, with the arrival likely to be a marquee transfer for this summer.

The midfield merry-go-round has already begun and threatens to leave the Red Devils behind, as Elliot Anderson looks set to join rivals Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s progress for Tonali and Fernandes threatens to remove two other options from the club’s shortlist coming into this window.

It means there is pressure there to get a deal over the line. Tchouameni could be the best of those remaining, and may be the perfect option moving forward.