Football News Update: Concerns Raised Over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Midfield Role for England at Euro 2024
Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United legend, has expressed concerns about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability to play in midfield for England at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
The Liverpool defender, who has primarily been a right-back, started alongside Declan Rice in the middle for the Three Lions in their recent 1-0 win against Serbia. Alexander-Arnold played 69 minutes before being substituted for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Speaking before the game, Roy Keane, another Manchester United great, stated his belief that the Liverpool star will be fine in the group stage at the tournament but could be “ripped to shreds” against one of the top nations in that position.
Now, it appears that Ferdinand shares a similar concern about the 25-year-old’s prospects if England progress further in the competition. Ferdinand said, “I’m looking at it thinking, ‘This is a disrespect putting a right-back against me. Nah, I’m going to show you’. He’s not a specialized midfielder, and I think when the details come into them big games, and half a yard is a massive difference in shutting off the lane to a striker or someone to be getting in with a through ball.“
Another Football legend, Emmanuel Petit, also weighed in, telling talkSPORT that he thought Alexander-Arnold was “lost” on the pitch in midfield against Serbia.
“This is a disrespect putting a right-back against me. Nah, I’m going to show you.” – Rio Ferdinand
With the Euro 2024 tournament on the horizon, England manager Gareth Southgate will have some tough decisions to make regarding his midfield selections. Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, and Adam Wharton are among the other options he can choose from, while Jude Bellingham is likely to stay further forward.
Southgate will have another couple of days to decide as England face Denmark in Group C on Thursday, with the match set to be broadcast live on talkSPORT. Football fans can tune in via the website or app, and follow the live Euro 2024 blog for all the latest news, views, and reaction to the big moments.
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