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February 7th , 2025

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FIVE LESSONS THAT GARETH SOUTHGATE CAN TAKE AWAY FROM ENGLAND'S MATCHES AGAINST NORTH MACEDONIA AND

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A year ago



Because of the long season that began on July 30 with Liverpool's Community Shield match against Manchester City, some players will have played for 46 weeks by the time the season is through.


When the Premier League ended two weeks ago, the majority of England's players would have left on vacation for a little break before returning for England duty, further complicating the schedule.


The Three Lions hope to maintain their unblemished start to Euro 2024 qualifying when they take on Malta on Friday and North Macedonia on Monday, respectively.


If England wins both games, they will have a chance to compete in the tournament next summer. Here, Mail Sport lists five things Gareth Southgate can take away from this week.



Check to see if Alexander-Arnold plays midfield.
Liverpool received some credit for what appeared to be a disastrous and disorganized season because they finished it with an 11-game winning streak, which helped them finish fifth and nearly qualify for the Champions League.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance, who had previously drawn harsh criticism for his performances, was essential to this turnaround as Jurgen Klopp handed the right back a new hybrid role that involved burrowing inside towards midfield.

This was a brilliant tactical move because Alexander-Arnold scored one goal and provided seven assists in 10 games to regain his confidence.

The focus now shifts to what transpires at Anfield in the upcoming campaign and whether Southgate implements a similar strategy with the Three Lions.


It hasn't been easy for the 24-year-old at the international level despite earning 18 caps for England because he frequently finds himself behind Kyle Walker, Reece James, and Kieran Trippier in the pecking order.

To Klopp's chagrin, Southgate experimented with Alexander-Arnold as a central midfielder in a 2021 World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

Why would the best right-back in the world be converted to a midfielder? I honestly don't understand that," the Liverpool manager yelled at the time.

Like the right-back position doesn't matter as much as the others. Those who say, "I find it difficult to comprehend how you could think that."

With only five midfielders in England's qualifying team, including the raucous Kalvin, times have changed.


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