Liverpool fans would have been ecstatic to see Trent Alexander-Arnold start at right back for England.
It has been four years since the Liverpool creator started in that position for his country, and Gareth Southgate will use Alexander-Arnold in midfield during Euro 2024.
England defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in Dublin on Saturday in their UEFA Nations League opening, with all eyes on Lee Carsley’s first XI as temporary manager.
With Kieran Trippier retiring from England duty, Kyle Walker not selected, and Reece James still dealing with knee concerns, Alexander-Arnold was finally given the opportunity to step into a role in which he has thrived at club level.
Southgate’s defensive system failed to bring the best out of the passing expert, which is not surprising, but Carsley’s new attacking approach has given fans a taste of what he is capable of.
Alexander-Arnold may not have had an assist or goal, but he was involved in the opening goal, which was characteristic of the Liverpool player.
Roy Keane chastised Ireland for allowing the 25-year-old time on the ball from his right-back position, and as he has done for years, he pinged a magnificent ball over the top, through the heart of Ireland’s defence, to the onrushing Anthony Gordon.
The Newcastle winger failed to convert his one-on-one opportunity, but the ball was finally recycled and put straight back into the melee, where Ireland’s public enemy number one Declan Rice scored.
Keane was impressed by Alexander-Arnold and explained to ITV Sport that you don’t want to give a man of his level so much time on the ball.
Trent Alexander-Arnold stars for England at right back.
“Brilliant, fantastic,” Keane remarked of Alexander-Arnold’s ball over the top to Gordon, which resulted to England’s first goal.
“If there is one guy you don’t want to give time to on the ball in that area, it’s Trent. He (Gordon) should have scored with his first effort, then Rice did what he does well by getting in late. When that occurs to him, you know he has it in him and has good technique. Beautiful finish and a well-deserved advantage for England.”
More England caps for Trent Alexander-Arnold
The one-time Champions League winner has 29 caps to his name, which surely is insufficient for a player of his talent.
Only a few of them are starts at right-back, which is criminally underwhelming given his performances for Liverpool.
However, with Southgate no longer in charge of England, many believe the long-term successor would be an attacking coach, which would make Alexander-Arnold the first choice at right-back.
Rico Lewis of Manchester City has also been chosen to play in that position, and Tino Livramento can play both right and left back.
