Yahoo Sports Fresh Trent Alexander-Arnold England twist as Southgate considers DRASTIC Euro 2024 changes
Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to be RESTORED to the England starting XI for the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown against Switzerland on Saturday.
Alexander-Arnold, 25, began the European Championship as Declan Rice’s midfield partner, starting in each of England’s first two games against Serbia and Denmark.
He was however substituted in both matches with Gareth Southgate ultimately letting the Liverpool star slip down his midfield pecking order.
Fresh Trent Alexander-Arnold England twist as Southgate considers DRASTIC Euro 2024 changes2 mins ago
The Champions League and Premier League winner played from the bench in the final group stage game against Slovenia but was not summoned at all during the last-16 encounter against Slovakia.
England failed to impress during that outing, requiring an outstanding individual contribution from Jude Bellingham to send the game into extra time, where Harry Kane netted the winner.
Following the drab nature of their performance, England manager Southgate is now considering a drastic change of shape for the quarter finals against a formidable Swiss outfit.
England v Iceland - International Friendly, Länderspiel, Nationalmannschaft Trent Alexander-Arnold of England on the ball during the international friendly match between England and Iceland at Wembley Stadium on June 7, 2024 in London, England. London Wembley Stadium England United Kingdom PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xNigelxFrench/Sportsphoto/APLx 14040447
As a result of those impending changes, Alexander-Arnold could again have his part to play.
However, it looks like he will be coming back into the side as a right back-cum-wing back rather than a central midfielder.
That’s because The Times reports that Southgate is considering returning to a back three system with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa coming into the XI in place of the suspended Marc Guehi.
Joe Gomez would again miss out with Konsa lining up beside John Stones and Kyle Walker in the defence.
England needs Trent's 'ability in possession'
With Walker pushing inside to become one of the three centre backs, a spot on the flank opens up and Alexander-Arnold is a contender to play there.
“England have struggled to convert territorial dominance into clear-cut chances and Alexander-Arnold’s ability in possession and delivery from wide areas would help in that regard,” writes the paper’s Paul Joyce.
Kieran Trippier is his chief rival for the position but the Newcastle man could be required on the other side, where the fitness status of Luke Shaw remains unknown although the manager could opt to use Bukayo Saka in the position instead.
It’s been a topsy-turvy tournament so far for Alexander-Arnold, who found himself scapegoated for England’s problems during the early stages and the Slovakia performance proved that there was far more at play than just Trent being in midfield.
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