Trent Alexander-Arnold was left “devastated” after being dropped for England’s draw against Slovenia, according to Gary Neville. Conor Gallagher replaced the Liverpool star, who started England’s first two Euro 2024 matches in midfield, in the starting lineup for Tuesday night’s game. Gareth Southgate made only this change to his lineup during the tournament, despite underwhelming performances.
England has advanced to the knockout stages, finishing top of Group C. However, the attacking issues seen in the 1-1 draw against Denmark persisted in the lackluster 0-0 draw against Slovenia. Southgate brought in Gallagher for his pressing ability but subbed him off at halftime for Kobbie Mainoo after he failed to make an impact. Alexander-Arnold entered the game as an 84th-minute substitute for Kieran Trippier, slotting into his usual right-back position. Despite Mainoo’s positive influence off the bench. Alexander-Arnold’s place in the team remains uncertain for the upcoming last-16 match on Sunday.
“I do want to mention Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Neville said on ITV. “I know it’s a big boy’s game and you can be left out of a football match, but I do feel that this is the best right-back we’ve ever produced by a million miles in terms of in possession, and he’s now sat on the bench wondering ‘what the hell’s going on?’, He’ll probably be devastated.”
Southgate explained his decision to start Gallagher, saying, “Conor presses the ball really well, his forward running is an important asset as well so we have thought he can stretch them defensively and add in an important area in midfield winning second balls and trying to win the ball further up the pitch. We want to win the ball higher and use it with more composure.” However, this strategy did not translate into a better attacking performance, as England struggled offensively once again. Substitutes Mainoo, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon provided the few bright spots. Giving Southgate much to consider before the next match in Gelsenkirchen.
Before the game, Declan Rice defended Alexander-Arnold, highlighting the public’s mixed opinions on his position. “It’s funny because people were calling for Trent to play in midfield,” Rice told ITV. “Half the country are calling for Trent to play in midfield then you play him in midfield and you want to bring him down – I don’t get it. I don’t get it at all.
“I’ll defend all of my boys until the day I never put on an England shirt. Trent is one of the best players I’ve ever seen. Don’t call for someone to play in a position and then backtrack all because you think he had a bad game or something. I’ll tell you now, Trent can play in midfield. I’ve seen it at England, I’ve seen it for Liverpool. He’s unbelievable. That’s what I say to the people you see say that type of stuff.”
As England looks ahead to their knockout match, the decision to bench Alexander-Arnold continues to spark debate among fans and pundits alike.
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