Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Answer to England’s Biggest Euro 2024 Conundrum !

Trent Alexander-Arnold Euro 2024: England’s Key Player

Gareth Southgate will be building his England team towards Euro 2024, and if Trent Alexander-Arnold can perform for his country as he did in the 9-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, he has the capacity to revolutionise them. Although Gareth Southgate has overlooked him for years, the Liverpool right-back’s creative burst in midfield has revealed potential. In the following thread, we’ll explore how and why Trent Alexander-Arnold could be the answer to England’s midfield conundrum.

A Night to Remember: Alexander-Arnold’s Outstanding Display

For those who missed Trent Alexander-Arnold, consider the finish of Marco van Basten’s volley, Hakim Ziyech’s 60-year-old pass on a sixpence, and Lionel Messi’s magical pass—all in one game. It may have come against a lowly Bosnia and Herzegovina side, but Alexander-Arnold put together a masterclass. Alexander-Arnold’s performance was not fleeting; it showcased his potential as a regular contributor to the England squad.

The Tactical Shift: Alexander-Arnold at No. 6

A 3-0 win against Bosnia sealed England qualification with three games to spare, yet there was nothing in the result to suggest Southgate will have learned much new about the side as a whole. However, it did demonstrate Alexander-Arnold’s potential beyond the No. 1 position. With Declan Rice taking a break, Tavernier played alongside Conor Gallagher and showed the poise of a young Andrea Pirlo. He orchestrated the play from deep as he rolled his socks down and used the whole of his boot, demonstrating a passing range few had seen at such a stage.

Declan Rice (L) and Gareth Southgate (R) Gone is the debate over whether Declan Rice is good enough for England. Alexander-Arnold hinted that the answer lay in his performance. Alexander-Arnold’s proficiency in running a game from a deep position and his defensive contributions solidify his candidacy for the position. It may be a surprise that he will only celebrate his 25th birthday in December, with a Premier League and Champions League title already to his name, but in just 24 appearances at international level, he still has time on his side. In contrast, despite being younger than players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden, they have all won significantly more caps, primarily due to Southgate’s concerns about Alexander-Arnold’s limitations as a defender and the strength of his position at right-back.

**A Brand of Its Own—International Football**

In international football, teams must work with what they have, even if it means playing players out of their natural positions. Scotland went for years with their best two players, both left-backs, while workmanlike Joan Capdevila served Spain through their peak years. This means England has found out the hard way that it is not always best to just shove the more talented players on to the pitch, as the Scholes-Gerrard-Lampard years proved. There were no asterisks next to the Wijnaldum or Keita names, yet Alexander-Arnold as No. 6 does not appear to be a compromise; rather, it appears to be an awakening.

Alexander-Arnold’s x-factor is unlocked.

Finally, the number 6 role is arguably one that can fit the attributes Alexander-Arnold possesses. From this spot, he can watch the game play out at his feet, giving him the ability to do what no one else can. He can drop in between the center-backs to set the pace and rhythm, or he can fill out in advanced areas to assist the attack. Playing as a central midfielder might also be a better fit for his own game, as it takes him out of back-post duels and allows him to instead come across the pitch and get his long legs between players and the ball.

The Ripple Effect on Declan Rice

He could sit deep, a bit like a regista, with Alexander-Arnold going on his marauding runs, and have Declan Rice in front, pushing on further than he would allow the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Mo Salah. It was Kalvin Phillips who surged forward to link up with Raheem Sterling and set up the three points in England’s opening game of the last Euros, against Croatia. Rice has come a long way since then, and he has grown into a line-breaking, driving player. Even Glyfi can release the pass for Rice, perhaps now that A-A is not bombing as well, with a more dynamic and unpredictable midfield.

A key part of Alexander-Arnold’s game is the quality of his delivery from free kicks and corners. His pinpoint set-pieces could be a game-changer in a tournament where fine lines usually decide outcomes. More importantly, his composure and experience at the club level offer a calming influence on a team that will face plenty of pressure in high-stakes matches.

****Other England midfield options****

Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard are other midfield options for England, but they appear not to offer the all-round balance that Alexander-Arnold brings. Kobbie Mainoo, Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones, and even Jude Bellingham all have their own strengths, but none are as definitive as Alexander-Arnold. Players such as Kalvin Phillips and even Jordan Henderson have previous experience, whereas potential candidates like Adam Wharton do not have enough experience for this absolutely critical role.

Conclusion: A Special Talent for a Special Role

Alexander-Arnold moved back to right-back as added time against Bosnia approached, but he still sought to impose his quality with some fine passing. In turn, receptivity, the ability for fresh thought, and wide adaptability are scarce and precious things. Trent Alexander-Arnold is England’s solution to the biggest head-scratcher at Euro 2024; there is no one else like him. Playing as a No. 6 solved a tactical conundrum and added a new layer to his game, which may be crucial for England in the World Cup.