The defining issue of Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager will be the right back role. Throughout his time at the helm he has failed to land on a first choice, he’s failed to make the right choice. Another toothless England display has highlighted just why Trent Alexander-Arnold needs to be an automatic starter for the Three Lions.
Alexander-Arnold in and out
Last season we saw Liverpool go on an historic losing streak.
With Trent a part of that losing streak, though there wasn’t much he could’ve done to prevent it, Gareth Southgate dropped him from the England squad.
The Scouser played his way back into the squad with immediacy.
Then disaster struck and an injury picked up late on in England’s final warm up game prevented Trent from heading for Euro 2020.
Poland 1-1 England
Ah, another drab game of football involving England.
This week the Three Lions visited Poland played out a thoroughly boring game of football.
A Harry Kane wonder goal seemed to have unfairly given the English the three points before a late header earned a draw for the hosts.
According to Fotmob, England failed to create a single big chance.
Alexander-Arnold starter for England
The solution is simple: Trent Alexander-Arnold has to be an automatic starter for England.
For the big games it has to be him.
Sure, Kyle Walker was credited with an assist last night but in the same was Sergio Busquets can claim an assist for that Lionel Messi goal against Real Madrid.
Trent is the most creative defender in the world, he can help break the opposition down for England, he can launch counters no other right back can.
In addition, the argument against the Scouser has always been his supposed lack of defensive ability (a myth). Against Poland Kyle Walker was turned inside out with his error of judgement directly leading to the equaliser.
It’s time to stop the unhelpful rotation of right backs, Southgate has to stick to one and it has to be Alexander-Arnold.