Ian Wright has delivered his ‘totally honest’ verdict on Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold’s latest display for England.
The Three Lions kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Serbia thanks to Jude Bellingham’s first-half header.
Trent Alexander-Arnold got the nod in midfield and played 70 minutes before being replaced by Conor Gallagher.
The Liverpool full-back earned praise from Alan Shearer after just his fifth appearance as a midfielder for England.
But Ian Wright was less convinced by Alexander-Arnold’s new role, claiming the Liverpool star was far too advanced.
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Wright delivers Trent verdict after England win Euro 2024 opener
Speaking on Wrighty’s House, the Arsenal legend admitted he expected Alexander-Arnold to take up deeper positions in midfield.
Wright also said he feels the Liverpool star’s switch to midfield ultimately didn’t work on the night.
“I don’t think it worked with Trent, if I’m totally honest,” Wright said. “As soon as it started I remember saying to you, he seems too far up for what we need.
“Toni Kroos can get in a position because of his creativity and make things happen, that’s what I thought Trent was going to do. Get into a position where Serbia can’t come out to him too much because he’s in space and then he can start passing those balls.
“Why is he that far forward? If he is our creative player to break that deep block and get those passes in, how is he going to do it in as advanced a position he is in?”
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Early days for Trent in midfield
It’s fair to say that it was a mixed performance from Alexander-Arnold as he gave the ball away in dangerous areas on a couple of occasions.
But England were way below their best on the night and the Liverpool star put in a brilliant shift.
The 25-year-old’s passing range was also on display at times but it’s likely to take him at least a couple of games to settle into his new role.
That will require some patience from England supporters but there’s no doubt that Alexander-Arnold is among the most talented players at Gareth Southgate’s disposal.
Wright may have a point about the positions he was taking up though and it’s on Southgate to get the best out of the full-back. He’s at his very best when he’s picking out players from deeper areas of the pitch and England were lacking that last night.