Trent Alexander-Arnold began Euro 2024 as Gareth Southgate’s project. Two difficult games later, the experiment was in the bin. Seduced by Alexander‑Arnold’s passing range, Southgate had decided to run with him in that problematic third spot in England’s midfield. If the manager had truly believed in the plan, though, it is unlikely that the first player to be taken off against Serbia and Denmark would have been the makeshift midfielder who plays as a right-back for his club.
“He can’t defend,” was Wayne Rooney’s verdict on Alexander‑Arnold before England played Serbia in their opening game in Group C. “I wouldn’t have him anywhere near the middle of the pitch.”
