Trent Alexander-Arnold, who started in central midfield instead of his usual position, was excellent as England defeated Malta 4-0 on Friday. Gareth Southgate, the manager of the Three Lions, said that if Liverpool continues to use such a tactical change, he will keep playing the right-back there.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will continue to play in midfield for the Three Lions, according to England boss Gareth Southgate, if Liverpool continues to use him in that position.
In their 4-0 victory over Malta on Friday night in Euro 2024 qualification, Alexander-Arnold stood out for England.
The 24-year-old played a key role in the setup for the first goal, an own goal by Ferdinando Apap, and he added England's second goal of the night with a brilliant drive from range.
Alexander-Arnold continued to start as a right-back for Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp decided to switch him to midfield when his team had the ball toward the end of the 2022–23 campaign.
In response, Southgate started Alexander-Arnold in center midfield on Friday, giving him the number 10 jersey just for good measure.
In his post-game presser, Southgate stated that Alexander-Arnold's starting spot for England will depend on where he performs for Liverpool.
"A lot of what happens is going to depend on his club," Southgate said, "because the fact that he has been playing partly in there, with the ball, has helped his transition tonight."
"What was pleasing tonight is that he's getting used to receiving in confined spaces with players behind him and his back to the goal, whereas he's used to playing on the touchline with the play in front of him. He felt completely at ease carrying things out.
"I don't have any queries. He is capable. He needs to master some of the nuances of the role, particularly without the ball, but he's eager to take on the challenge.
If you like, "He has appreciated the project. He seemed excited when we discussed it on the phone a little over four weeks ago.
"He demonstrated exactly what we expected him to be able to do, and he offers us something different from our other midfield players," the coach said.
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