Liverpool ace praised for ‘outstanding’ Euro 2024 qualifier by national coach see more..
England manager Gareth Southgate has praised Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold after producing an ‘outstanding’ display in their Euro 2024 qualifier at home to Malta.
The 25-year-old helped the Three Lions claim a 2-0 win at Wembley on Friday. Enrico Pepe’s early own goal gave England the lead after just eight minutes. Harry Kane’s 75th-minute goal later stretched the margin as Southgate’s side maintained their unbeaten record in Group C.
Southgate started Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold among his engine room as England hosted their final fixture at Wembley this year. He partnered Conor Gallagher beside Jordan Henderson in the midfield three. It marked the Reds product’s 22nd cap for his country, too.
England v Malta: Group C – UEFA EURO 2024 European Qualifiers
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Southgate praises Liverpool ace Alexander-Arnold as England beat Malta
Alexander-Arnold has sparingly played as a midfielder with England in recent years to utilise his qualities on the ball. His efforts in possession against Malta also blew Southgate away in the first half at Wembley. The England coach adored what Alexander-Arnold showed with it.
“I thought he used the ball really well. He has some outstanding qualities,” Southgate said, via quotes from Sky Sports. “Him and Phil [Foden] in the first half were the two that really looked like opening the game up for us.”
Malta marked the fourth game in which Southgate has played Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield since the Liverpool star’s debut in June 2018. Three of those outings have come this year, including in Malta in June. He also featured centrally against North Macedonia in June.
Southgate is still yet to trust Alexander-Arnold against any elite countries
England v Malta: Group C – UEFA EURO 2024 European Qualifiers
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
North Macedonia now await England on Monday in their final Euro 2024 qualifier. But whilst Southgate might field Alexander-Arnold in the midfield again after impressing against Malta, the England coach still needs to watch the Liverpool defender excel against an elite country.
With all due respect to Malta and North Macedonia, Southgate is yet to experiment against the established elite countries. Alexander-Arnold’s first match in midfield with England was against Andorra. But when England have since faced the bigger nations, he has not played.
Since Alexander-Arnold first played in midfield for England at home to Andorra in September 2021, his only other appearances outside of facing Malta and North Macedonia came as the Three Lions met Albania, San Marino, Hungary, Wales and Australia as a full-back or winger.
