Gareth Southgate gave Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold a rare starting opportunity as England triumphed over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Liverpool right-back began the match in midfield before reverting to his usual position late in the second half, contributing to England’s 3-0 victory over St James’ Park by scoring the second goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been among the top fullbacks in Europe for several years, with his accolades highlighting his skill.
Yet, the 25-year-old has not been able to translate this success to the international arena due to Southgate’s defensive approach, which clashes with his offensive style.
Furthermore, England boast a multitude of right-backs, such as Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, and Chelsea’s Reece James, who was recently left out by Southgate for Euro 2024.
Despite Alexander-Arnold’s notable performance in midfield and his strong play in the second half, Steve Nicol was not impressed, as he remarked on ESPN.
For much of the match, the score was tied until Cole Palmer broke the deadlock with a penalty, and Alexander-Arnold later secured a second goal with a superb first-time strike from a Jack Grealish cross.
However, Nicol bluntly stated that even if the Liverpool defender had scored three goals, it wouldn’t impact his chances of starting for England in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia. Nicol asserted, in his usual candid manner, that Alexander-Arnold would not be starting in either midfield or right-back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Scores for England Against Bosnia and Herzegovina
“He’s not (going to be important for England at the Euros),” responded Nicol after Alexander-Arnold played in midfield against Bosnia. “He’s not going to be playing.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold could have scored a hat-trick today and he will not start against Serbia. There is no way in a million years that he will start as the right-back against Serbia. Not a chance. And there is no way he starts in the midfield.
“If Gareth Southgate is going to be positive, then it’s going to be Bellingham, Rice and Foden. If he is going to be a little negative, then he will probably bring Conor Gallagher in and play him beside Rice, with Bellingham in front of them and Foden will go out to the left.
“There is no way I can see on that field that Trent Alexander-Arnold starts – if it comes to the third game and England have to win to qualify, then he might play in midfield, but then what if he takes Maddison? Are you then going to play a supposed fullback and leave a guy who is 100% an attacking midfielder and had a fantastic first half of the season for Tottenham? Or are you just going to say, ‘Oh, I will play a fullback in there’? Trent Alexander-Arnold is a great passer of the ball. He played some great balls forward, but he certainly isn’t playing against Serbia.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold at Euro 2024
It’s important to recall that Alexander-Arnold was absent from the last European Championship due to an injury, so he will be eager to secure a spot on the plane to Germany.
It is likely that Southgate will choose him, as you can never be completely sure about the final selection.
While there are numerous players ahead of him in the pecking order, fans are hoping for increased utilization of Alexander-Arnold due to his exceptional passing skills.
Even as an offensive asset when England is pushing for a goal in the second half, players like Harry Kane would undoubtedly appreciate having Alexander-Arnold on the team for his remarkable ability to deliver precise long passes effortlessly.
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