Trent Alexander-Arnold showcased his brilliance for England, impressing in an advanced position during their commanding 4-0 victory over Malta. The Liverpool star became the first player from his club to score from outside the box for England in a competitive match since Steven Gerrard achieved the feat against Moldova in September 2013.
England manager Gareth Southgate had a relatively easy night in Malta, as his team continued their seemingly effortless journey towards qualifying for Euro 2024 in Germany next summer. With three wins out of three in the qualifiers, England faced their toughest challenge against Italy and emerged victorious. Their next match is against North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday.
The main talking point before the game was Southgate’s decision to deploy Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, a position he had briefly experimented with at the international level before, yielding mixed results. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had recently moved Alexander-Arnold into a more advanced role, away from his usual right-back position, to mitigate his defensive weaknesses, which had become a target for opponents.
Alexander-Arnold’s defensive struggles had prevented him from fully convincing Southgate to utilize him as a right-back for England. Instead, Southgate opted for Reece James, Kieran Trippier, and Kyle Walker, despite them arguably lacking Alexander-Arnold’s natural gifts. This resulted in the Liverpool player only getting 33 minutes as a substitute during the World Cup victory against Wales.
However, Southgate always believed in Alexander-Arnold’s potential in midfield. With Klopp also entrusting him with that role at Anfield, England can now reap the benefits.
While it is essential to acknowledge the context of the game, as Malta proved to be outclassed by England, it provided an ideal platform for Alexander-Arnold to display his abilities. He showcased his world-class passing range, both short and long, and demonstrated his clinical finishing ability, particularly evident in his superb strike for England’s second goal.
In the 28th minute, Alexander-Arnold found the top corner with a perfect finish, leaving Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello with no chance. Earlier, he had initiated the own goal by Malta’s Ferdianando Apap, with a magnificent disguised long pass that set Bukayo Saka free on the right flank.
Alexander-Arnold also played a role in England’s third goal, a penalty converted by Harry Kane, who earned his 56th goal for England (50th in competitive matches) after being fouled. Nevertheless, it should be noted that Alexander-Arnold enjoyed significant freedom on the pitch, as Malta was far below England’s level.
Southgate will likely consider this when evaluating Alexander-Arnold’s performance, especially given his preference for using two holding midfielders – Declan Rice alongside either Kalvin Phillips or Jordan Henderson. Additionally, Jude Bellingham, the talented teenager who recently signed for Real Madrid in a potentially lucrative deal, is also a certain starter.
However, there is no doubt that Alexander-Arnold has proven his ability to deliver and create quality from an advanced position. He is equally proficient at dropping deeper and initiating attacks from there. In this role, his defensive vulnerabilities are less exposed, and he appeared comfortable and at ease.
England captain Harry Kane would undoubtedly benefit from the kind of passes Alexander-Arnold can provide. Southgate now faces a pleasant dilemma in deciding how to integrate Alexander-Arnold into the team’s dynamic. The ongoing debate about his position and role within the England squad will persist, though the level of opposition faced in this match prevents a definitive conclusion.
Nonetheless, Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional performance, showcasing his sheer quality, has earned him the opportunity to strengthen his case further in England’s pursuit of a fourth consecutive qualifying win against North Macedonia.
In other news, explore the hidden depths of the ocean with astonishing perspectives captured by hidden cameras, or follow Michael Mosley’s suggestions for achieving a restful night’s sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about advanced role
What was the final score of the match between Malta and England?
England won the match with a commanding 4-0 victory over Malta.
How did Trent Alexander-Arnold perform in the match?
Trent Alexander-Arnold had an impressive performance, shining in an advanced role for England. He showcased his passing skills and clinical finishing, contributing to England’s victory.
Was this Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first goal for England from outside the box?
No, Trent Alexander-Arnold became the first Liverpool player to score from outside the box for England in a competitive game since Steven Gerrard achieved the feat against Moldova in September 2013.
How has Trent Alexander-Arnold’s position changed recently?
In the latter stages of the last season, Trent Alexander-Arnold was moved by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp into a more advanced role away from right-back, where his defensive weaknesses were being targeted by opponents.
Did Trent Alexander-Arnold prove himself in the match?
Yes, Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered an impressive performance, showcasing his quality and effectiveness in the advanced position. He demonstrated his ability to create chances and score goals, making a strong case for his continued involvement in that role.
Is Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to play in midfield for England in future matches?
While it remains to be seen how England manager Gareth Southgate will integrate Trent Alexander-Arnold into the team in the long term, his strong performance in midfield and the support from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp suggest that he could be a valuable asset in that position for the national team.
How did England’s victory affect their qualification for Euro 2024?
With their 4-0 victory over Malta, England continued their impressive qualifying campaign and moved closer to securing a spot in Euro 2024 in Germany next summer. The win was their third consecutive victory in the qualifiers, positioning them well for qualification.
More about advanced role
- Liverpool FC Official Website
- UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers
- England National Team Official Website
- Malta Football Association Official Website
- Jurgen Klopp – Liverpool FC Manager Profile
- Gareth Southgate – England National Team Manager Profile
- UEFA Euro 2024 Tournament
4 comments
england’s qualification for euro 2024 is lookin good. trent was fire in the match against malta. he’s finally provin himself in that position.
Southgate must be happy with trent’s performance. he’s a valuable asset in midfield. hope england keeps winnin. euro 2024 here we come!
Trent A-A is killin it for both Liverpool n England! his goal from outside box is amazin. hope he keeps playin in midfield. #YNWA
wow england won 4-0 against malta! alexander-arnold was awesome in his new role. he showed his passin n scorin skills. go england!