Football News Update: Trent Alexander-Arnold Questionable Midfield Role at Euro 2024
In a surprising move, England manager Gareth Southgate has opted to utilize Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder in their opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia. This decision has drawn criticism from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, who believes the decision to play a right-back in midfield is questionable.
Alexander-Arnold’s role at Liverpool has evolved this season, with manager Jurgen Klopp using him as an inverted right-back, allowing the 25-year-old to showcase his versatility. However, Southgate has taken this a step further, deploying him as a central midfielder alongside Arsenal’s Declan Rice, while Jude Bellingham operated in a more advanced No. 10 role.
“If I was a midfielder in the England squad, I wouldn’t be happy to see a right-back being selected ahead of them.”
- Roy Keane
England made a bright start to the game, with Bellingham opening the scoring in the opening 15 minutes. However, Southgate’s side struggled towards the end of the first half, and Serbia caused them problems after the restart. Conor Gallagher replaced Alexander-Arnold with 20 minutes remaining, as Southgate opted for a more defensive change to secure the 1-0 victory.
Keane expressed his concerns about the decision, while Gary Neville suggested that Southgate may have wanted to get Gallagher into the team, but the decision was deemed “quite negative.”
Alexander-Arnold, however, has indicated that Southgate and his coaching staff have worked hard to prepare him for the midfield role, and he has the support of his teammates, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, who he described as “the two best midfielders in football right now.”
The decision to deploy Alexander-Arnold in midfield will continue to be a topic of discussion as England progress through the Euro 2024 tournament. Southgate’s willingness to make bold tactical decisions and his trust in the Liverpool defender’s versatility will be closely monitored by football enthusiasts.
🔗 Source