Gareth Southgate has delivered his honest opinion on Trent Alexander-Arnold after England defeated Serbia 1-0 in their opening game at Euro 2024.
It was a cagey affair in Gelsenkirchen but ultimately Southgate’s side got the job done, with Jude Bellingham the matchwinner.
The Three Lions made a positive start and looked assured in possession with Alexander-Arnold plying his trade as a number eight.
The Liverpool man was substituted off just before the 70th-minute mark and Southgate issued his verdict on his display, speaking post-match.
Gareth Southgate praises Trent Alexander-Arnold
Southgate was quick to praise Alexander-Arnold’s positioning – which he worked on tirelessly leading up to the game.
“I have to say he has been really diligent in getting his positioning right, balance off, obviously Jude goes forward a lot, so I thought Trent adapted and adjusted to his positioning really well,” the 53-year-old told BBC One (10.25pm).
“Used the ball well, obviously had a really good effort on goal.”
The England boss hasn’t always fancied the Liverpool right-back in his favoured position but seems keen to deploy him as a number eight, where he can affect the game in the final third.
Did Trent Alexander-Arnold do enough to start vs Denmark?
Now, the question will be, will Alexander-Arnold retain his place in the side against Denmark on Thursday evening?
Well, the 25-year-old took nearly every set-piece and without him, Southgate’s men lost a quality crosser of the ball.
Further, his long-range effort, as the Three Lions boss alluded to, showcases how dangerous he can be from a distance.
So, for those reasons, Alexander-Arnold should remain in the midfield with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.