Jude Bellingham, following England’s 1-0 victory over Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener, came to the defense of his teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, labeling criticism of the right-back’s defending as “a lot of rubbish.” Alexander-Arnold, making only his second tournament start for England, played in a midfield role alongside Declan Rice, a position many believe should be his long-term position. Leading up to the match, there was much focus on Alexander-Arnold’s supposed defensive weaknesses, which Bellingham dismissed with a laugh.
In an interview with ITV, Bellingham expressed his admiration for Alexander-Arnold, praising his ability to control the game and his aggression in back-to-goal pressure. He also highlighted their understanding on the pitch, with both players being willing to take risks and play positively. Bellingham described Alexander-Arnold as brilliant and expressed gratitude for the support he provided, allowing him to catch his breath when needed.
Bellingham reiterated his praise in the post-match press conference, describing Alexander-Arnold as unmatched in quality and always positive on the ball. He emphasized the balance they achieved as a team, both with and without the ball, and commended Alexander-Arnold’s calmness and technical prowess. Bellingham expressed excitement about further developing their partnership and the potential they have together. He also had high praise for Declan Rice, considering him one of the best in the world in his position.
Following the match, Alexander-Arnold gave his own perspective during an interview with ITV. He expressed his enjoyment of the game and credited the preparation and hard work that had gone into his new role. He revealed that he had been working closely with the manager and assistant coach, Steve Holland, on this position for the past year. Alexander-Arnold emphasized the extensive preparation, learning, and analysis that had been undertaken. He felt that he executed his role effectively, contributing to the team’s victory and maintaining a clean sheet.
Overall, Bellingham’s and Alexander-Arnold’s comments shed light on the positive partnership and understanding between them during the match against Serbia. Their praise for each other’s abilities and the preparation that went into their performances highlight the dedication and hard work put in by the players and coaching staff. It is evident that Alexander-Arnold’s defensive abilities were not a cause for concern, as Bellingham found his performance brilliant. This narrative showcases the confidence and cohesion within the England squad, boding well for their future matches in Euro 2024.