'Special' Alexander-Arnold remains centre of attention
The Independent|June 16, 2024
Gareth Southgate says playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in central midfield is an "opportunity worth grasping" that could be "incredibly special".
MIGUEL DELANEY
'Special' Alexander-Arnold remains centre of attention

The England boss also detailed how he is still to decide on Luke Shaw's fitness for this evening's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia. Southgate came close to confirming Alexander-Arnold will start in midfield by enthusing about his ability there, in response to questions about Wayne Rooney’s criticism that he wouldn’t give the Liverpool star a central role.

“Everybody’s more than entitled to opinions, so that’s our world, we have to accept that,” Southgate said. “Then we have to go and show what we can do. I’m really happy. I spoke to Trent about playing in this role over a year ago. It’s something he’s been really keen to do.

“He’s been really receptive to feedback and every bit of information. We know he can be a really special player. Equally, we know it’s not something he’s been doing for the last five years. There is an element of the unknown to it. But I think it’s an opportunity that’s worth grasping because he could be something incredibly special.”

It is expected that Alexander-Arnold will line up alongside Declan Rice in the centre, behind an attack of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, with Harry Kane in front.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 16, 2024 من The Independent.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 16, 2024 من The Independent.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

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