Trent Alexander-Arnold was again named at right-back for Lee Carsley in England’s starting XI, and the Liverpool defender was again the star of the show.
The English media hailed Alexander-Arnold as the best player on the night for the Three Lions in their 2-0 win against Finland, with the Liverpool fullback assisting Harry Kane and acting as the creative heartbeat for the host nation.
With Jamie O’Hara lauding Alexander-Arnold’s passing as ‘unbelievable’, the 25-year-old right-back was at his usual best once again for England, with the defender heading into this game off the back of a big performance against the Republic of Ireland.
And Carsley has dropped an interesting note on Alexander-Arnold’s role last night for England.
Alexander-Arnold used differently in England win vs Finland
Speaking to ITV after the full-time whistle, Carsley revealed that the fullbacks were deployed in a different manner against Finland compared to Ireland, with the change clearly having an impact on Alexander-Arnold’s efficiency in the match.
Carsley said: “We played Trent in a different position, along with Rico. You have seen with Trent an array of passing and his ability to control the game. It’s not a surprise as we have seen him do it for Liverpool.”
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With Alexander-Arnold creating more chance than anyone else on the pitch by some distance, the new position and role for the Liverpool defender could be the way forward while playing for England.
And wit the 25-year-old now the outstanding candidate to replace Kyle Walker at right-back, now could be the time for Alexander-Arnold to finally reach his potential on the international stage with the Three Lions.
Alexander-Arnold sent a clear message this international break with England
After the disappointment that was the Euros this summer, Alexander-Arnold’s England career looked to be out in the wildlands with no real direction on where the Liverpool star should go.
Yet this international break has managed to answer all those questions and then some, with Carsley managing to get the best out of Alexander-Arnold in his natural position at right-back.
Although the level of opposition wasn’t as tough as what Alexander-Arnold faced in the summer, the Liverpool defender still turned up in a big way for England, and a clear message has now been sent heading into other international breaks.
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