Gareth Southgate intends to give Trent Alexander-Arnold more opportunities in central midfield after the Liverpool defender produced a passing masterclass during England’s 4-0 win over Malta on Friday night.
Alexander-Arnold has had a stop-start career at international level and concerns over his defensive instincts have stopped him from establishing himself at right-back under Southgate. But he has thrived since moving into a more advanced role for Liverpool and was the pick of the bunch as England maintained their excellent start to Euro 2024 qualifying.
Alexander-Arnold was at his creative best on the right of a midfield trio and stole the show with a bending shot from 25 yards to make the scoreline 2-0 in the first half. He also helped make two other goals and the question now is whether Southgate, whose side top Group C after winning their first three games, gives the 24-year-old more experience in the middle before the Euros.
“Inevitably a lot of what happens is going to be a little bit dependent on his club because the fact he’s been playing partly in there with the ball, albeit a bit deeper I think has helped his transition tonight,” England’s manager said.
“He’s getting used to it. What was pleasing tonight is he’s getting used to receiving in tight areas with his back to goal with players behind him, whereas he’s used to receiving on the touchline with the play in front of him, and he was very comfortable doing that.
“I’ve got no questions in my head that he can do it. It’s just learning some nuances of the role. Without the ball especially it’s very different for him. But he’s very keen to do it. We talked about it four weeks ago on the phone and I think he’s been excited by it. He showed exactly what he could be capable of and he gives us something different to our other midfielders.”
Southgate revealed that Bukayo Saka did not suffer an injury after the winger was caught by a late challenge during the first half. Saka was taken off as a precaution at half-time but he should be involved when England host North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday.
