Trent Alexander-Arnold Could Have Played For the USMNT Instead of England

Writing has always been Josh's way of expressing his deep enthusiasm for sports, and this new path allows him to bring a fresh and honest perspective to his work.

He also gains valuable experience as a volunteer match reporter for the Loughborough Foxes WFC. Covering live events has helped Josh improve his storytelling skills and given him a closer insight into the game. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account 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.

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:

"The connection is just that my Mum’s American really! I love America, I absolutely love America."

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.

The greatest players that England has produced down the years - ranked in order.

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.

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.

England would have an unstoppable starting line-up if these players had chosen to represent the Three Lions

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.