Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Audition in England’s Midfield
In England’s recent game against Serbia, Trent Alexander-Arnold had the opportunity to showcase his skills in the midfield position. This was a bold move by manager Gareth Southgate, and it demonstrated a willingness to explore new options for the team. While the experiment didn’t entirely go as planned, it wasn’t due to any fault of Alexander-Arnold. Instead, it was a chance for Southgate to see if the Liverpool right-back could adapt to a different role.
It’s important to have players who are versatile and can adapt to different positions, especially when facing tougher opponents later in the tournament. Alexander-Arnold’s combination with Kyle Walker and Bukayo Saka showed promise. Alexander-Arnold naturally gravitated towards the right side, almost like a full-back, while Walker provided support from the outside. This partnership created opportunities and led to Jude Bellingham’s goal.
However, Alexander-Arnold faced challenges in his new position. He seemed a bit shaky at the start, giving away the ball a couple of times and allowing Serbia to create chances. International football is faster-paced, and receiving the ball with pressure from all sides can be overwhelming. Alexander-Arnold will need to adjust his game to be more aware of his surroundings and make quick decisions.
In the first half, Alexander-Arnold had difficulty showcasing his passing range. Playing in the midfield from the start is different from coming inside while playing for Liverpool. The pressure is constant and requires players to be alert and constantly scan the field. Despite these challenges, it was clear that Alexander-Arnold has the potential to be a key player in England’s midfield.
Jude Bellingham Shines as England Makes Winning Start
While Alexander-Arnold’s performance was a focal point of the game, Jude Bellingham stole the show with an excellent display. Bellingham, a rising star at Real Madrid, scored the opening goal with a superb header. He demonstrated class and composure throughout the match. However, despite the strong start, the game was a tense affair, with Serbia putting significant pressure on England in the second half.
Harry Kane had a quiet game, and Phil Foden, the Premier League’s player of the year, struggled to make an impact on the left side of England’s front three. It was a challenging match for England, as Serbia’s defensive setup limited space and made it difficult to break through. In these situations, players like Alexander-Arnold need to focus on disrupting play, shielding the opposition’s forwards, and finding creative ways to create opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Although Alexander-Arnold’s audition in midfield lasted just under 70 minutes, it is a role that Gareth Southgate should persist with. Alexander-Arnold has the intelligence and skill to adapt and improve in this position as the tournament progresses. With more time and experience, he will become more comfortable and confident in his abilities.
In conclusion, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance in midfield against Serbia was a positive step forward for both him and the England team. While there were challenges to overcome, his potential and versatility were evident. With continued support and opportunities, Alexander-Arnold has the potential to become an essential asset in England’s midfield.