Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a major talking point in terms of England’s Euro 2024 journey.
Having largely played at right-back in his club career, the Anfield ace has been playing in central midfield at the major tournament.
The Three Lions managed to top their group, but have come under plenty of fire for their performances on the pitch.
And Alexander-Arnold has often been central to such criticism, with Jamie O’Hara tearing into him following the opening match versus Serbia.
Fellow pundit Gary Lineker has, however, defended the Liverpool man, saying he has been ‘hung out to dry’ in Germany.
Trent Alexander-Arnold wowed by Dele Alli in England training
Alexander-Arnold will have undoubtedly heard a lot of the noise surrounding his displays, with the 25-year-old certain to be trying to block it out as best as he possibly can.
And part of that can be done by focusing on working hard on the training ground, trying his best to impress Southgate.
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The Liverpool star has now given an insight into his Three Lions training sessions over the years, naming Dele Alli as the hardest player he has faced when practising for his country.
“I would say Dele,” Trent said on England’s official X account. “My first few camps, when I was younger and he was at the top of his game at the time, he was untouchable.”
Liverpool star has fond memories of Everton rival Dele Alli
It is perhaps surprising to hear Alexander-Arnold name Alli as his toughest opponent behind the scenes, not least because he was once on the books at Everton.
But the midfielder was unquestionably at his very best when on the books at Tottenham, having joined the North London club from MK Dons in 2015.
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Spurs and England debuts quickly followed for Alli, with the youngster at the time really impressing on the pitch.
He enjoyed plenty of success with the Three Lions, making 37 caps in total, but his career has sadly been on a downward spiral since those highs.
Alli remains an Everton player for the time being, but his future in the blue half of Merseyside is very much up in the air.
The midfielder’s contract with the Toffees is set to expire later this month, with his Premier League future in doubt.
It has certainly been a difficult period on and off the pitch for the player, but hope remains that he can get his once-promising career back on track.
He will, however, certainly appreciate the praise from city rival Alexander-Arnold, who clearly has fond memories of Alli during their time together with England.