‘It’s a new avenue’ – Trent Alexander-Arnold excited about 'potential' new midfield role with England
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Published 16/06/2023 at 21:36 GMT
Trent Alexander-Arnold will take the headlines after England thrashed Malta 4-0 to maintain their perfect record in Euro 2024 qualifying, and rightly so after an excellent midfield display. The Liverpool full-back has been overlooked in recent times by Gareth Southgate but looked more comfortable in a more advanced role. The 24-year-old admits he could 'potentially' play the position again.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold admits he can “potentially” see himself operating in a midfield role for England in the future.
The Liverpool full-back thrived in an advanced central position whilst wearing the No. 10 shirt for England during Friday’s 4-0 win over Malta, scoring a stunner after playing a huge part in the opening goal.
It marked an impressive return to the England set-up after he was left out of the Euro qualifiers against Ukraine and Italy back in March. In fact, he had been omitted from the squad since April 2022 with right-backs Kieran Trippier and Reece James usually preferred.
Speaking to Channel 4, Alexander-Arnold couldn’t hide his delight after producing a Player of the Match display.
He said: "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.
“After the little break at the end of the season, it was about getting fitness back in my legs. I enjoyed it and I'll remember that one."
His beautiful strike from 25 yards to make it 2-0 after 28 minutes justified his selection alone.
"I think my first touch was a little bit sloppy. I wanted to hit through the ball but I've set it outside my body and I just thought 'go across the keeper',” he said.
“As soon as I hit it, I knew it was going towards the goal."
Asked if he sees himself continuing to play a midfield role into the future, Alexander-Arnold continued: "I don't know. I think potentially. I haven't played it too much but it feels comfortable. It feels natural, I will say that. 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.
"Hopefully I am one of those players that can be used in a number of positions. I'm not bothered where I play as long as I'm playing. No matter what position I'm playing in, I will give my all and try and win the game.
"Regarding England, the manager has always tried to find a way to get me into the team and with the quality, of the players who play in those positions, it's been difficult to find that. I think the role I've been playing with club football, it's a new avenue.
“It's still early doors, it's only one match. But it's important that when I get the opportunity, I take it."
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