The debate surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s midfield role with England at Euro 2024 has been a hot topic among pundits. Many believe that the system employed by Gareth Southgate is flawed, and Ian Wright has emerged as the voice of reason in defending the Liverpool right-back.
Wright argues that if Alexander-Arnold is going to be utilized in midfield, he needs movement and support from his teammates. He points out that there has been a lack of movement in front of Alexander-Arnold, which has hindered his ability to showcase his skills. The forward players need to stretch the play and create space for him to operate effectively.
Roy Keane, who was also part of ITV’s panel, acknowledges that being substituted in both games is not a positive sign for Alexander-Arnold. He believes that it was a huge gamble to play a player who doesn’t regularly feature in midfield for his club. Keane emphasizes the physical demands and the need for precise positioning in midfield, suggesting that Alexander-Arnold has fallen short in these aspects.
Keane also places some responsibility on Southgate, questioning the decision to throw a full-back into the midfield against relatively weaker opponents. He believes that this experiment was a big ask for Alexander-Arnold, especially when facing teams where England were expected to dominate possession.
As England prepares for their final group game against Slovenia, the focus now shifts to the potential lineup. Many speculate that Conor Gallagher will replace Alexander-Arnold in the starting eleven, with the Liverpool player being relegated to the bench. Another Liverpool player, Joe Gomez, who has yet to feature in the tournament, remains an option for Southgate.
In conclusion, the discussion surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s midfield role with England has divided pundits. Ian Wright defends him, highlighting the need for movement and support from his teammates. Roy Keane expresses doubts about the decision to play Alexander-Arnold in midfield and places some blame on Southgate. As England enters their final group game, the lineup choices will be crucial in determining the team’s success.