England head coach Gareth Southgate has, on Thursday, hinted at his readiness to afford Trent Alexander-Arnold the opportunity to prove himself in a new role in the country’s next outing.
Three Lions boss Southgate’s use (or lack thereof) of Alexander-Arnold’s talents has of course long stood as something of a contentious subject.
The tactician’s favouring of the likes of Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier has proven a source of frustration for many, particularly those of a Liverpool persuasion desperate to see their talented full-back’s brilliance recognised on the international stage.
Owing to a stellar close to the club season with Klopp’s Reds, though, Southgate was essentially left with no choice but to call TAA up to his latest squad, ahead of upcoming fixtures against Malta and North Macedonia.
And, if his latest comments are anything to go by, then England’s headmaster now appears ready to make use of the 24-year-old’s unquestionable abilities, too.
In an exciting development for Three Lions and Liverpool fans alike, Southgate has dropped a major hint that Alexander-Arnold will feature in the middle of the park on Friday, against Malta.
“Well, let’s see,” Southgate began after being questioned on TAA’s midfield chances. “You know that I think he is more than capable of playing there and it can be really exciting.
“If we were to do that, we would not be expecting perfection because there is a lot ot learn, particularly without the ball. It is different areas of the pitch.
“With the ball, that is a more straightforward transition for him now. He has been playing there a little bit more for his club so it is something for us to consider, definitely.”
Gareth Southgate couldn’t mask his smile after hinting he is FINALLY ready to use Trent Alexander-Arnold in his new role | @johncrossmirror https://t.co/svL3TjPNww pic.twitter.com/NrNen1O64d
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) June 15, 2023
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