Interim England manager Lee Carsley reveals that he wants to use Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold according to his strengths, unlike Gareth Southgate. Trent struggled to establish himself in the national team under former manager Southgate due to his favouritism and negative approach.

Southgate received heavy criticism for not using the Liverpool vice-captain despite the proven quality that Trent brings to the team. The 25-year-old is one of the best playmakers in Europe and a key figure in Liverpool’s successes under Jurgen Klopp.

England enjoyed a positive start under Carsley, winning two Nations League games against Ireland and Finland in the September break. Trent played a key role in both wins, starting at the right-back position and thoroughly enjoying the freedom to operate.

The 25-year-old earned a deserved assist while having 87% passing accuracy and making five key chances for England against Finland. Trent dominated possession, enabling England to play attractive football that excited the fanbase, tired of Southgate’s tactics.

Speaking to the media (via Mirror) about using Trent, Carsley revealed that he focuses on the player’s strengths over weaknesses. He said:

“I’ve tried to always do that. I think we’re lucky that the first thing I look at in a player is what they’re really good at, rather than what they can’t do. The stuff they can’t do we try and hide. I think it’s something I’ve improved on. When I first started coaching, I coached players like I played which, as you can imagine, wasn’t very good to watch. Sometimes it’s difficult to adjust your eye to players who are more creative and make more mistakes, but make more chances and create more chances and they hurt the opposition more. So I’ve had to adjust to my way.”

Southgate’s tenure involved many successful campaigns for England without any major trophies, riddled with criticism over his negative philosophy. England has always struggled with building any identity in their style of play, preferring hard work over technical qualities.

Trent established himself as one of the best fullbacks in the world under former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. However, his club success amounted to nothing in the eyes of Southgate who preferred more defensively reliable options.

Southgate misused a squad full of immense quality, exposing England during the Euro 2024 campaign. Despite reaching the finals of the tournament, the English team relied on individual brilliance or poor luck for the opposition.

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Trent has played both as a central midfielder and a right-back for his club and country, displaying versatility alongside ability. The 25-year-old is playing in the last season of his current contract with Liverpool which earns him £180,000 per week. A potential new contract could establish him as one of the highest earners at the club, a position that he deserves alongside future captaincy.