Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold missed out on the starting line-up as England faced Slovakia at Euro 2024 today.
The Liverpool full-back started in each of England’s two opening games in a midfield role but has since dropped to the bench.
It’s fair to say that Trent Alexander-Arnold received his fair share of criticism after his displays in midfield for England’s openers.
But things have hardly improved since he dropped to the bench and the Three Lions endured a nightmare start against Slovakia today.
Gareth Southgate’s men fell behind in the 25th minute in their last-16 clash, with Ivan Schranz opening the scoring.
And with England struggling to create opportunities in the final third, Gary Neville called for Alexander-Arnold to come on at halftime.
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Neville delivers Alexander-Arnold verdict
Speaking on ITV Sport’s coverage of England vs Slovakia, Neville admitted he can’t believe Alexander-Arnold isn’t playing more regularly under Southgate.
The Manchester United legend called for Southgate to introduce the Liverpool star at right-back ahead of the second-half.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold, it’s illegal that that lad is not playing football in a game like this for England today,” he said.
“We cannot have Kyle Walker and Trippier at left and right-back when we are on the ball most of the time. That is the kid who is the best football player we have ever seen at right-back or full-back in this country. He has got to be on the pitch.”
England vs Slovakia
After yet another disappointing first-half display from England, it was a surprise to see Southgate stick with the same XI for the second period.
The Three Lions thought they had found a leveller within minutes of the second half but Phil Foden was marginally offside before placing the ball into an empty net.
Southgate finally turned to his bench after the hour mark but moved Bukayo Saka out to left-back in a move to bring Cole Palmer on.
Despite no minutes for Alexander-Arnold during the 90 minutes, England were saved by a stunning overhead kick from Jude Bellingham to force the game to extra time.