Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold dominated the headlines surrounding England at Euro 2024 for quite some time.
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate was experimenting with Alexander-Arnold in midfield in training, and carried that into matches.
The Reds right-back adopted the role in his nation’s two opening games of the major tournament in Germany.
Alexander-Arnold started against both Serbia and Denmark, but saw his minutes rapidly decline after that.
The Liverpool ace was handed just six minutes from the bench against Slovenia, followed by a five-minute cameo against Switzerland.
Gareth Southgate takes Trent Alexander-Arnold aside at Euro 2024
Also struggling for minutes was fellow midfielder Conor Gallagher, who came in for Alexander-Arnold but was quickly replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.
According to The Athletic, both the Liverpool man and Chelsea star were involved in private discussions with Southgate during the tournament.
The publication reported that the manager felt he had to take certain players aside, with Alexander-Arnold and a ‘deeply disappointed’ Gallagher among them.
Southgate did assure the pair that they still had important roles to play in Germany, with the boss pleased by their responses throughout the rest of the competition.
Will Trent Alexander-Arnold play in midfield for Liverpool?
The Liverpool man will be disappointed at his lack of playing time at Euro 2024, although he certainly did help the nation reach the final.
His Three Lions teammates Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon both reacted after Alexander-Arnold scored the winning penalty against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
He will now get a well-earned break following his international exploits, before a return to Anfield for pre-season training.
It will certainly be an exciting season for the 25-year-old, who will undoubtedly be a key player under Arne Slot.
The former’s position could certainly come under the spotlight once more, with the latter perhaps tempted to operate Alexander-Arnold in midfield, just like Southgate has done.
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