Trent Alexander-Arnold once again started in midfield for England last night, and Joe Cole now thinks there’s a serious plan in place for the Liverpool star.
There have been strong suggestions in recent weeks, even by the likes of Jurgen Klopp, that Alexander-Arnold’s long-term future in football belongs in midfield rather than in defence.
And Joe Cole now thinks Gareth Southgate has the same line of thinking, with the pundit last night predicting that the England manager is getting Alexander-Arnold familiar with the role ahead of Euro 2024.
The Liverpool star partnered Declan Rice in England’s lacklustre 1-1 draw against North Macedonia, yet there’s clearly real potential in Alexander-Arnold starting in midfield for England next summer.
Cole said about the Liverpool star’s new international role: “Tonight, him given the nod in there with Declan tells me that Gareth is thinking about this for the tournament seriously.
“It’s alright putting him in there against Malta and Gareth was probably having a look to see how he did and he did fantastically well. For a game like this, they will give us a game, make no bones about it and he wants to see that partnership.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold could lead England to silverware in midfield role
Whilst last night’s display against a stubborn North Macedonia side wasn’t anything to write home about, it’s clear that midfield is the way forward for Alexander-Arnold with England.
The Liverpool star has flourished in the role when given the chance to operate in the position by Southgate, with Alexander-Arnold arguably providing some of the best England performances of the year in this position.
And going into Euro 2024, Alexander-Arnold in midfield alongside Rice with Jude Bellingham also in the centre of the park could be a work of art.
Indeed, Alexander-Arnold is clearly good enough to play in the role for the Three Lions, and the Liverpool star needs to keep pursuing this position with England heading into next summer’s competition.
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