Trent Alexander-Arnold offers England one thing totally different in midfield: Coach Gareth Southgate

By India Today Sports Desk: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal-scoring efficiency in midfield in opposition to Malta was praised by England coach Gareth Southgate, who stated the 24-year-old offers England “something different” within the place. Alexander-Arnold scored a surprising long-range purpose and made a wonderful move to arrange the opener as England cruised to a 4-0 victory, sustaining their unblemished begin to Euro 2024 qualifying and conserving them high of Group C.

Under Southgate, the 24-year-old has struggled to carry down a beginning spot and has solely earned his nineteenth cap since making his debut in 2018, with the England coach preferring Reece James, Kyle Walker, or Kieran Trippier at full-back.

It was his first look in a complicated function for England since getting used as a playmaker in opposition to Andorra in 2021. However, following his excellent efficiency on Friday, Southgate acknowledged that he needs to faucet into Alexander-Arnold’s creativity.

Southgate praised his adaptability and stated his starring efficiency proved he might play the function, revealing that he first instructed him about his plans to make use of him there 4 weeks in the past in a telephone name.

“I’ve got no questions in my head he can do it,” Southgate stated. “It’s just learning some nuances of the role, without the ball especially, but he’s very keen.

“We talked about it 4 weeks in the past on the telephone and he is enthusiastic about it. He confirmed precisely what we predict he could possibly be able to and he offers us one thing totally different to our different midfielders.

“Inevitably, a lot of what happens is going to be dependent on his club. The fact he’s been playing partly in there with the ball, albeit a bit deeper, has helped his transition.”

Alexander-Arnold, carrying the quantity 10 shirt, stated he hoped it will assist him safe an everyday spot in Southgate’s workforce.

“I haven’t played it too much, but it feels comfortable,” he stated. “It feels natural. It’s somewhere I can see myself playing. I want to make sure I am regularly on the team sheet, and that was a good foundation to build on.

“The function I’ve been taking part in with membership soccer, it is opened a brand new avenue for me. It’s nonetheless early doorways, it is just one match, nevertheless it’s essential that after I get the chance, I take it.”