Gareth Southgate given clear Trent Alexander-Arnold demand with Liverpool star's role at risk

Karen Carney has called for Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold to be dropped by England boss Gareth Southgate. The Reds vice-captain has started both games against Serbia and Denmark in midfield.

The Three Lions kickstarted Euro 2024 with an unconvincing 1-0 win against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, with Alexander-Arnold looking as if he could settle in a midfield role. However, after a poor England performance during the 1-1 draw to Denmark, the Liverpool ace was withdrawn just after half-time and replaced by Chelsea's Conor Gallagher.

With the national side looking lethargic, uninspired and toothless - despite the world-class talent it possesses - changes are afoot for Southgate ahead of the final group stage clash against Slovenia on Tuesday. And Carney has suggested Alexander-Arnold may be one to make way.

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In her latest column for The Guardian, Carney wrote: "England are best with a back five and have been for some time. I would move Kieran Trippier to right-wing-back and Bukayo Saka to the left, with Kyle Walker, John Stones and Marc Guéhi as the centre-backs.

"That quintet offer a lot of pace and experience. Stones could do similar to his role at Manchester City, where he can move into midfield and help with the buildup.

"I am sure many people would be concerned about moving Saka away from his favored position further up on the right, where he has impressed for club and country, but he has been a wing-back before and would have the license to be essentially a winger. Trippier’s presence would allow for fluidity in the defense.

"He would drop back when Saka is further up, ensuring solidity and structure. Without a left-footer at left-back the team have been unbalanced, so playing Saka there would be beneficial. The players have looked fatigued and lacking in energy: Jude Bellingham was visibly tired against Denmark, as were Declan Rice and Harry Kane.

"England do not have a No.6 who can dictate play and Stones pushing up would assist Rice, who required Jorginho to come in alongside him at Arsenal to help with distribution. Bellingham would need to accept playing deeper as a No 8, which would suit him making runs from deep and arriving in the box late, just like his goal against Serbia."

With Bellingham dropping deeper, Trippier at right-wing back and the duo of Rice and Foden occupying the other spots in midfield, Alexander-Arnold would be limited to a role on the bench for this game.

Liverpool.com says: Alexander-Arnold hasn't set the world alight in midfield but neither have any of the England players. He is used to drifting in from the right where he can outnumber the midfield players and utilise the space and freedom this allows. If England are opting for a back five, they'd be silly not to consider Alexander-Arnold in the role. Especially with the added security three centre-backs offers.