England kick-off their Euro 2024 campaign on Sunday, and, as ever, there are a number of big talking points heading into that first game against Serbia.
Gareth Southgate has a number of selection issues, particulary at the back and in the midfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is one player who is causing Southgate a bit of a headache.
The Liverpool star is an incredible player, but with Kyle Walker so trusted at right-back, finding a space for him in the squad isn’t easy.
Alexander-Arnold has been touted as a midfield option for England for a long time, but there have been many detractors who have questioned this idea.
However, speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, Sam Allardyce has hit back at these doubters, claiming that they have no idea about Alexander-Arnold’s midfield ability, urging such fans to keep their mouths shut.
Sam Allardyce backs Trent Alexander-Arnold
Allardyce spoke about Alexander-Arnold and his ability to play in midfield.
“I’m glad he looks like he’s overcome that (defensive issues) because he can play full-back and he can play in centre-midfield. People say he’s not going to be as effective as Bellingham or as effective as Rice because he’s not a midfield player, they don’t know, so keep your mouth shut, he can play in midfield when you ask him to,” Allardyce said.
Alexander-Arnold is quality
These detractors who are questioning Alexander-Arnold need to remember who they’re speaking about here.
Alexander-Arnold is one of the most technically gifted footballers in the country, and you simply can’t back against him in any role.
The reality is that we don’t really know how Alexander-Arnold will perform in the midfield in a major tournament, but based on how he’s done in friendlies so far, it’s bizarre to think anyone has a problem with Gareth Southgate using this strategy against Serbia on Sunday.