Gareth Southgate may be one of the England national team's most successful managers, but his decisions often raise eyebrows among fans.
Now, it is unclear just who decides who dons what shirt number for the Three Lions, but Trent Alexander-Arnold wearing the number 10 has sparked plenty of discussion among fans online ahead of England's European Championship qualifier away at Malta on Friday night.
A right-back for Liverpool week in, week out, Alexander-Arnold's remarkable on the ball quality has long led for cries from fans suggesting he be given a chance in a more advanced midfield role. Judging by Southgate's line-up choice, it looks as if the Anfield ace will finally get his chance.
In turn, social media is alive with excitement and fans are reacting positively to the image of Alexander-Arnold's name sitting proudly above the number 10 on the back of the England shirt.
One Twitter user wrote: "Trent with the number 10 jersey for England also starts against Malta. We are about to witness something extremely special from this generational footballer!"
His sentiment was echoed by another who added: "Trent Alexander Arnold with the number 10 on his back? This is the content I signed up for."
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Some were more confused, as one fan wrote: "never in a million years did i think that Trent would ever wear England’s 10." In a similar vein, another added: "Trent Alexander Arnold number 10 feels so wrong."
Even Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher commented on the choice of number, quote tweeting confirmation of Alexander-Arnold's shirt with a picture of Steven Gerrard wearing the number nine alongside the caption: "Steven Gerrard wearing Nine for @England still feels more bizarre than TAA wearing Ten!"
Southgate did hint that he was plotting to deploy Alexander-Arnold in a different role during his pre-match media duties.
The England boss replied to a question about putting the 24-year-old in midfield with: "Well, let’s see! You know that I think he is more than capable of playing there and it can be really exciting.
"If we were to do that, we would not be expecting perfection because there is a lot to learn, particularly without the ball. It is different areas of the pitch.
"With the ball, that is a more straightforward transition for him now. He has been playing there a little bit more for his club so it is something for us to consider, definitely."
Alexander-Arnold will no doubt be out to prove wrong those who say he can't thrive in the role.
