June 17th 2024.
During England's first game at Euro 2024, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was surprisingly placed in the midfield alongside Declan Rice. This decision caused some controversy among pundits and fans alike, with many questioning whether Alexander-Arnold was the right fit for the position. Roy Keane, a former Manchester United and Ireland star, even went as far as to say that England's other midfielders would not be happy about the selection.
Despite winning the game 1-0 against Serbia, there were concerns about the team's performance, particularly when it came to Alexander-Arnold's defensive abilities. While he is known for his impressive passing and vision on the field, his limitations defensively were evident and contributed to England's nervy showing. The question of who should partner Rice in midfield has been a long-debated topic, with Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, and Adam Wharton being other options. It was also mentioned that Jude Bellingham, who is usually preferred as a No. 10, could also drop deeper if needed.
Keane's comments about the potential friction within the England camp due to Alexander-Arnold's selection caused a stir, with fellow pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright agreeing that changes may need to be made for the next game against Denmark. Neville suggested that Gareth Southgate may want to bring Gallagher into the team, but acknowledged that it could be seen as a negative move. Wright, on the other hand, believed that someone like Wharton, who can play on the half-turn, should also be considered.
In the end, Alexander-Arnold was substituted in the 69th minute for Gallagher, and Southgate himself was pleased with the Liverpool star's performance. He commended Alexander-Arnold for his positioning and ability to adapt to Jude Bellingham's forward movements. However, the decision to bring on Gallagher was a strategic one, with Southgate wanting fresh legs on the field. He also mentioned that having a strong squad means being able to use all the players when needed. Overall, it seems that the debate over who should partner Rice in midfield will continue, but Southgate is confident in his choices and tactics.
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