Gareth Southgate has caused a stir by suggesting potential position changes for Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024. Bellingham, who had an impressive debut season with Real Madrid, was listed as a forward, while Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold was listed as a midfielder. This decision raised eyebrows among fans, who took to social media to express their surprise and confusion.
Some fans were shocked to see Bellingham listed as a forward, with one fan tweeting with a shocked emoji, “Bellingham is a forward?” Another fan commented on the positioning of Bellingham and said, “Jude Bellingham thrown in the forward category.” Similarly, some fans were surprised to see Alexander-Arnold listed as a midfielder, with one fan tweeting with eye emojis, “Trent listed as a midfielder?” Another fan expressed their confusion at the listings, saying, “I spent a good few seconds staring at the list of midfielders open-mouthed wondering how on earth Jude Bellingham had been omitted before I realized he was listed as a forward.”
Bellingham’s impressive performance in his debut season with Real Madrid cannot be overlooked. The 20-year-old scored an impressive 19 goals in 27 league matches, helping Los Blancos secure the La Liga title. Former England striker Alan Shearer believes that Bellingham could be the X-factor for England in their pursuit of Euro glory. Shearer highlighted Bellingham’s remarkable numbers at Real Madrid and his ability to handle pressure at such a young age. Shearer emphasized that playing for England in a major tournament like the Euros will not faze Bellingham, and his level-headedness will make him a crucial player for the national team.
Southgate’s decision to potentially change the positions of Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold raises interesting questions about their roles within the England squad. Position changes can often provide tactical advantages, allowing players to showcase their versatility and adaptability on the field. Bellingham’s inclusion as a forward suggests that Southgate sees him as a goal-scoring threat, capitalizing on his impressive goal-scoring record in La Liga. On the other hand, Alexander-Arnold’s positioning as a midfielder could be an attempt to utilize his exceptional passing and crossing abilities from a deeper position on the field.
While fans may have been surprised by these position changes, it is important to trust Southgate’s judgment and consider the potential benefits they may bring to the England team. Southgate has shown his willingness to experiment with formations and player roles in the past, and these decisions could be a part of his strategic plan for success in Euro 2024. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold to see how they adapt to their potential new positions and contribute to England’s quest for glory.