The latest criticism of Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold from Manchester United legend Gary Neville highlights why England fails in football
Gary Neville provided another scathing criticism of Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold which inadvertently revealed why England fails in big competitions. Neville, along with other former British players turned pundits, has continuously attacked Trent during Euro 2024.
England manager Gareth Southgate played Trent alongside Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice during the first game of the Euro against Serbia. England won the game 1-0 with Trent playing for 60 minutes before Conor Gallagher substituted him as a more orthodox midfielder.
British pundits like Neville, Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, Sam Allardyce and Ian Wright have criticized Trent’s defensive weaknesses relentlessly. At the same time, they have downplayed the poor performances of Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane which displays bias.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold has defensive vulnerabilities, he is a world-class playmaker who has played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s success. The 25-year-old mostly struggled in one-on-one situations against tricky and world-class wide attackers, needing cover more often from his teammates.
The England international’s complacency and poor positioning earned him justifiable criticism at times. While these criticisms are constructive, the idea of him being a liability highlights the lack of respect towards his qualities.
Trent is a world-class playmaker and he has matured with age, playing more centrally to dictate tempo and dominate possession. His senior-level experience in midfield is lacking but the 25-year-old understands what the defenders need from a deep-lying midfielder.
The knowledge has helped him adapt to the central role as he gets to act more as a shield. Legendary manager Jurgen Klopp used Trent as a central midfielder on many occasions when Liverpool trailed and needed a goal. The Englishman’s influence from midfield allowed the Reds to make many dramatic comebacks last season, further justifying his midfield role.
The England paradox: The biggest barrier between them and major international trophies, displayed by the psyche behind Neville’s comment on Trent
Neville and his crew of former footballers-turned-pundit have continued their assault against Trent, bolstered by drama-hungry British media. There is a case of heavy unprofessionalism from the likes of Neville, Rooney and Keane with their dislike towards Liverpool.
However, we should address the fact that England has generated many generational talents over the years yet failed consistently. The nation that boasts so many big talents has won nothing since its 1966 World Cup triumph.
Many of their “legendary” players like Rio Ferdinand never managed to feature in the Euro competitions. People have long argued the reason why England fails despite having a plethora of talents when other similar countries succeed consistently.
Neville’s take on Trent highlights the big reason why England has a culture of failure despite having many successful clubs. Speaking to ITV Sport (via YouTube), Neville provided a baffling reason why Trent became a right-back at Liverpool. He said:
“Look there’s no doubt if you’re good enough to play in midfield all the time, you would play in midfield. The reason you were right-back is because basically you’ve been shoved back there from being either a wide player or a midfield player at some point in your life and you’ve not been good enough. I was the same as the 14-year-old or 15-year-old, I was a midfield player, we all were and then we got pushed back.”
Nevilles highlights a shocking sentiment that English players carry about the fullback role in modern football. Fullbacks’ role is essential in the modern-day as they contribute to creativity, flair, productivity and enjoy superior possession.
The idea that Klopp put Trent at the right-back because he could not displace any midfielder is downright wrong. Trent played as a crucial outlet alongside Andy Robertson and their remarkable assists are the firm example of their importance.
Neville’s statement also undermines the importance of legendary players like Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Phillip Lahm, Lillian Thuram and Paolo Maldini. However, what these legends have in common is their essential role in winning major trophies for their country.
Spanish playmaker and winner of numerous major trophies, Cesc Fabregas defended Trent recently and highlighted his immense playmaking abilities. Furthermore, Cafu has made a similar defence of Trent during the World Cup and pinpointed the old European media’s poor narration about fullbacks.
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England has failed to succeed internationally despite having Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham and many quality playmakers in their ranks. It is only since they do not deal with specialists or respect technical qualities. They want everyone to do everything physically and that is why even the playmaking artists like Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Pirlo and Juan Roman Riquelme wouldn’t make it in the English culture.
