Ian Wright gives blunt Trent Alexander-Arnold verdict with Toni Kroos claim

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold started for England last night in the Three Lions' Euro 2024 opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. The 25-year-old was the one major change made by Gareth Southgate for the game, with Alexander-Arnold operating in midfield alongside Declan Rice.

Southgate sees Alexander-Arnold more as a midfielder than a right-back, which is where he usually operates for Liverpool. The Reds vice-captain exhibited some of his long-range passing against Serbia, and he also had the chance to show off his ability from set pieces, but a 25-yard free-kick hit the wall.

He was taken off for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher with just over 20 minutes remaining in the contest, and reaction to Southgate's experiment was mixed.

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Jude Bellingham, scorer of England's goal, defended Alexander-Arnold in the aftermath of the game. However, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright had a different view, saying he felt Alexander-Arnold didn't work in the role.

“I don’t think it worked with Trent, if I’m totally honest,” Wright said on his podcast 'Wrighty's House'. “As soon as it started I remember saying to you, he seems too far up for what we need.

“Toni Kroos can get in a position because of his creativity and make things happen, that’s what I thought Trent was going to do. Get into a position where Serbia can’t come out to him too much because he’s in space and then he can start passing those balls.

“Why is he that far forward? If he is our creative player to break that deep block and get those passes in, how is he going to do it in as advanced a position he is in?”

England legend Alan Shearer held a different take on Alexander-Arnold's performance, praising the the Liverpool star while on commentary for BBC One: "He’s done well in there, Trent,” Shearer said as Alexander-Arnold left the pitch.

“Certainly in that first 35 minutes. Played some good passes. The timing of his tackling in front of the back four was really good as well.”

It remains to be seen whether Alexander-Arnold will get another go at playing in midfield against Denmark on Thursday night in Frankfurt.

Liverpool.com says: Alexander-Arnold showed some glimpses of his passing range in the Serbia game, but considering he's only played in midfield for England a handful of times, he shouldn't be overly criticized. He undoubtedly needs more time in order to get better in the role.