England batted their way to a hard-fought 1-0 win against Serbia in their opening match of Euro 2024 in Germany.
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate had plenty of big decisions to make for the Group C clash, with his midfield selection dominating the headlines.
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice were always going to be automatic starters, leaving the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton to fight it out for the final spot.
And it was the Liverpool man who got the nod, playing alongside Rice and just behind Bellingham, who got the all-important goal.
Gallagher and Mainoo did make appearances in the match, with the former replacing Alexander-Arnold and the latter replacing Bellingham.
Declan Rice praises Trent Alexander-Arnold before kick-off
The Liverpool man lasted just under 70 minutes in Germany, with Rice and Bellingham reacting to his display on social media.
Before the game kicked off, however, the Arsenal ace was expecting big things from his new midfield partner.
“I think you will see a different side to him tonight,” Rice told BBC One. “He is ready and raring to go. Not a lot of people see this but he has so much energy and enthusiasm in midfield.
“He loves to get about the midfield, I will be speaking to him to make sure we keep disciplined in there. I think it is a midfield trio fans can be excited about.”
Will Trent Alexander-Arnold play in midfield for Liverpool?
Rice wasn’t the only England player to speak highly of his fellow Premier League man before the game got underway.
Three Lions captain Harry Kane also had warm words for the Liverpool man, saying he has ‘shown his abilities over many seasons now’ both in right-back and midfield.
England’s opening match at Euro 2024 may have just finished, but fans will already be looking ahead to Denmark on matchday two.
Liverpool fans, however, may just be looking towards the new season under Arne Slot, who now has a big decision to make on Alexander-Arnold.
The Anfield star has been a regular at right-back for the Reds over the years, but has midfield experience at club level thanks to his inverted full-back role under Jurgen Klopp.
But a successful Euro 2024 this summer in midfield could force Slot into utilising the player in that role next season.
Importantly, it wouldn’t be a worry for Liverpool fans, with young star Conor Bradley more than ready to become the club’s first-choice right-back.