June 16th 2024.
Tonight, Trent Alexander-Arnold will be starting in England's midfield against Serbia. Gareth Southgate, the team's manager, has come out in defense of the Liverpool star amidst concerns raised by other football legends such as Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney. The Three Lions will be kicking off their Euro 2024 campaign in a group-stage match against Serbia, and Southgate has been experimenting with Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder heading into this summer's tournament.
With Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham by his side, Alexander-Arnold is expected to play a crucial role in England's engine room in tonight's match in Gelsenkirchen. Known for his impressive passing skills, the 25-year-old has often been compared to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne. However, his defensive shortcomings have been a hot topic in recent years, which has affected his starting position within the national team.
Despite this, Alexander-Arnold is set to earn his 26th cap for England tonight, and Southgate believes in his abilities. In a preview of the match on ITV Sport, Roy Keane mentioned that he would be comfortable with Alexander-Arnold playing in midfield against weaker teams like Serbia, but expressed concerns about his performance against stronger opponents. He even went as far as saying that the full-back could be "ripped to shreds" and "found out" against top teams in Germany.
On the other hand, Wayne Rooney stated that he would not have Alexander-Arnold anywhere near the middle of the pitch when looking ahead to England's group-stage campaign. In an interview with The Overlap, the former England captain said, "Defensively, he's all over the place. He can't defend. I wouldn't have him anywhere near the middle of the pitch. I'd have no problem with playing him at right-back."
Southgate has also been open about his doubts regarding Alexander-Arnold's defensive abilities in the past. However, he believes that the 25-year-old has the potential to be a "really special player" in midfield. Responding to Keane's criticism, Southgate stated that everyone is entitled to their opinions, but it is up to the players to prove themselves on the field.
The England manager also shared that he had spoken to Alexander-Arnold about playing in a midfield role over a year ago, and the player was keen on taking on the challenge. He has been working hard to improve his skills and understanding of the position, and Southgate believes that he can bring a unique dimension to the team.
In a separate interview with ITV Sport, Southgate mentioned that Alexander-Arnold's passing range is as good as anyone's in world football. He also praised the player's dedication and attitude towards learning and perfecting his role in midfield. As England aims for their first major trophy in 58 years, Southgate is confident that Alexander-Arnold can play a crucial part in their journey.
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