Advertisement

National media reacts to Trent Alexander-Arnold's England performance after Roy Keane bashing

-Credit: (Image: 2024 The FA)
-Credit: (Image: 2024 The FA)


Trent Alexander-Arnold received high marks across the board after impressing in England's 3-1 victory over Finland. The Three Lions went into the game off the back of a chaotic defeat by Greece last week, but played with more structure in Helsinki and recorded a routine victory.

Among England's star performers was Liverpool full-back Alexander-Arnold, who emerged from an international game with a Player of the Match award for the third time in four appearances.

The 26-year-old faced criticism from Roy Keane before and after the match, but will have returned to Liverpool delighted with his display in Finland after scoring a stunning free-kick and acquitting himself well in an unfamiliar left-back role.

In its player ratings from the match, The Telegraph handed Alexander-Arnold a 7/10 and said: "Beautiful free-kick for his goal. New option for England in problem left-back position, where he had not played for Liverpool this season."

Meanwhile, The Daily Mail, which also handed out a 7/10 rating, was slightly less complimentary, saying: "Some good going forward, some bad going back over. Wonderful free-kick goal and plenty of nice involvements, but he’s not a left back."

The Independent and Goal also gave out 7/10 ratings, with The Independent saying: "Enjoyed a good night even before his stunning free-kick to double England’s lead. Starting at left-back for the first time in his career, Alexander-Arnold saw a lot of the ball and dictated England’s play from the left channel. Clicked well with Bellingham, Grealish and Gomes and the set-piece was a reminder of his quality."

Alexander-Arnold celebrates his free-kick -Credit:2024 The FA
Alexander-Arnold celebrates his free-kick -Credit:2024 The FA

Goal said: "Thrown in at left-back and didn't let himself down even before his superb free-kick goal. Combined well with those in front of him, most notably in the build-up to Grealish's goal, though he was found wanting in defence once or twice."

TNT Sports was the most generous of this selection of outlets, handing Alexander-Arnold an 8/10 and declaring him the best player on the pitch. It said: "Many of England's defensive troubles throughout the evening came on their right-hand side, something not anticipated ahead of kick-off with Alexander-Arnold figuring in the unfamiliar left-back position. But he did well out there. Cutting inside to contribute to the build-up for the first goal, while nestling in that delightful second. He likely won't be the long-term solution out on the left, but he did more than a commendable job in Helsinki."