Liverpool fans debate future of Trent Alexander-Arnold after latest England display

Liverpool fans have been left split with their feelings towards Trent Alexander-Arnold’s so-far underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign for England. Predominately used as a right-back in recent years, the 25-year-old has been played in center-midfield by Gareth Southgate in England’s opening two group-stage games.

Alexander-Arnold started in a double midfield pivot alongside Declan Rice against Serbia in the Three Lions’ opening Group C win last Thursday, but he was withdrawn after 69 minutes for Chelsea’s orthodox midfielder Conor Gallagher following an uninspiring display.

He was given a second chance to impress against Denmark on Wednesday evening as Southgate named an unchanged side in England’s second group game. However, his evening proved to be more frustrating than his opening game, with him unable to have an impact on the game and his only driving foray forward saw him misplace a crucial yet relatively straightforward pass to Phil Foden.

Alexander-Arnold was hooked off even earlier, being replaced by Gallagher again on 54 minutes as England drew 1-1. The early substitution seemingly sends the message from Southgate that his experiment to play the Liverpool star in midfield has failed.

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Featuring mainly from right-back, Alexander-Arnold was often found drifting into midfield in Jurgen Klopp’s setup but his impact has been virtually nil for his country. Liverpool fans took to social media to question Alexander-Arnold’s fortunes and credentials to play that role, one supporter wrote: “This isn't me criticizing TAA, he's a world-class player and I feel like Southgate hasn't used him effectively.

“I noticed he wasn't joining the attack and it feels like the 2 in a midfield has to be able to run box to box. He's got a great range of passing and found players really well but it feels like he didn't do the job he does for Liverpool where he's almost right at the opponent's box.”

Another fan suggested that Southgate’s tactics were to blame, they added: “He certainly isn’t cut out for a double pivot I would say. This set up though is so negative.” While a third agreed: “Southgate is misusing the majority of his creative players.”

A fourth fan claimed that Alexander-Arnold’s withdrawal compromised England defensively as Denmark looked more likely to score a winner late on, they said: “Trent has been off the pitch for 30 minutes by the time I’m typing this and Denmark are battering us. Whatever the problem is with this team, it’s not Trent lmao”.

“Those games are irrelevant. If you think he should be moved or not, it should only be based on a pre-season at his club and after a few real games,” another stated. “There's not a single England player doing well because Southgate is the coach and he is awful at coaching.”

England face Slovenia on Tuesday in the final game of the group. A draw will secure England’s qualification to the knockout stages but only three points will confirm the Three Lions as table toppers.