Declan Rice asserted that Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold is essential for England in the EURO 24 due to his qualities

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice pinpointed Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold as the necessary starter for England in the Euro 24 competition. Rice highlighted the incredible playmaking abilities of Trent as the reason to be the necessary name in the team sheet.

England manager Gareth Southgate has announced a relatively young 26-man squad for the upcoming Euro 24 competition, commencing in June. Southgate may play Trent in midfield, partnering him with Rice in a double-pivot formation during the group stages.

England also have Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton in their midfield ranks to play the role. Experts have questioned the balance of the squad as Rice played in a more advanced role for Arsenal last season.

However, both Rice and Trent are strong contributors in both the defensive and offensive aspects of the game. While they are key to England’s success, much will also depend on the players surrounding them and their contribution.

Rice praised Trent’s (h/t Standard) playmaking skills, highlighting that he is a world-class player for any national side. He said:

“He’s [Trent Alexander-Arnold] a player any country would appreciate. He’s a player we have to play, we have to get involved, and our attackers should be thriving playing off someone like Trent because his passing is off the scale.”

The Liverpool vice-captain has played dominantly as an inverted right-back for Liverpool last season, shifting inside at every opportunity. In many games when Liverpool trailed, former boss Jurgen Klopp put Trent in the number six role.

Klopp played Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley to shift Trent into the midfield, allowing him more range for passing. The 25-year-old made 37 appearances in all competitions for the Reds last season, scoring three goals and providing nine assists.

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Trent is one of the best playmakers in the world and Southgate needs to play him to get the best out of his young team. Gareth Southgate has also favoured Mainoo and Gallagher, a strategic decision that will reveal itself during the tournament.