Gareth Southgate makes "excited" admission about new Alexander-Arnold role

16 June 2023 , 21:57

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Gareth Southgate makes "excited" admission about new Alexander-Arnold role

Gareth Southgate has insisted Trent Alexander-Arnold has an “exciting” future for England in midfield.

Liverpool full back Alexander-Arnold played a starring role in midfield as England thrashed Malta and took another big step towards Euro 2024 qualification. Alexander-Arnold scored a 25 yard screamer and played a part in another goal while Harry Kane also created more England history with his 56th goal for his country as he became the first player to score 50 competitive goals for the Three Lions.

But England boss Southgate saved his warmest praise for Alexander-Arnold and suggested if he keeps playing further forward for Liverpool then he can do the same for his country at a major tournament.

Southgate said: “Inevitably, a lot of what happens is going to be a little dependant on his club because the fact he’s been playing partly in there, albeit a bit deeper, I think has helped his transition tonight.

“He’s getting used to receiving in tight areas with his back to goal, with his back to players behind him, whereas he’s used to receiving it on the touchline with the play in front of him.

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“But he’s used to doing that now. I’ve got no questions in my head whether he can do it, it’s learning certain nuances of the role, without the ball especially, but he’s very keen to do it, he’s enjoyed the project.

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“We talked about it four weeks ago on the phone and he’s been excited by it and he’s shown exactly what he’s capable of and he fives us something to our other midfielders.”

Alexander-Arnold added: “I enjoyed it. I love playing football and being on the pitch and representing my country. To play the full 90 minutes, I was happy.

It's somewhere I can see myself playing. I want to make sure I am regularly on the team sheet and today was a good foundation to build on.”

Malta boss Michele Marcolini said: “When there is such a difference between the teams you have to hope the opponents come here and take the match easily. But this didn’t happen because England had an amazing attitude from the first to last minute.”

John Cross