Liverpool midfielder gives verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold's best position for England
- Alexander-Arnold began Euro 2024 in midfield but has returned to bench
- Fans question how Liverpool right-back fits into Gareth Southgate's squad
- Close friend Fabio Carvalho gives his thoughts
By Tom Gott
Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho has urged England manager Gareth Southgate to persist with his plan to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield at Euro 2024.
Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed several successful years as Liverpool's starting right-back but has failed to convince Southgate of his worth in defence, with many fans quick to criticise the 25-year-old's defensive awareness.
However, Southgate has been impressed by Alexander-Arnold's elite passing and took the bold risk of trialling the Liverpool defender in midfield during the first two games of Euro 2024, only to drop Alexander-Arnold back to the bench when the team started struggling.
Speaking to Rising Ballers, Carvalho confessed he believes Alexander-Arnold's best position is in midfield.
"He's got to play there [in midfield]!" Carvalho said. "He's got too much tech not to play there."
Alexander-Arnold went unused in the last-16 victory over Slovakia after seeing just six minutes off the bench in the final group game against Slovenia.
There could, however, be a return to the lineup coming as England are believed to have trained in a new three-at-the-back formation ahead of the quarter-final against Switzerland, with usual right-back Kyle Walker expected to slide over into central defence.
Such a tactical switch would open the door for Alexander-Arnold to start as a right wing-back, who is clearly at his most comfortable on that side of the field.
England ended the victory over Slovakia with Bukayo Saka and Ebere Eze as a makeshift wing-back duo in a similar formation, but Alexander-Arnold could get the nod if Southgate chooses to start with that setup on Saturday.
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