Paul Scholes advises England boss Gareth Southgate to use Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold at left-back
In a story uploaded on his official Instagram account, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes expressed that England could solve their midfield woes by shifting Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold into a new role and introducing a couple of youngsters into the starting XI against Slovenia.
Gareth Southgate’s decision to use Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield for England’s opening two 2024 Euro fixtures has sparked considerable debate. The Liverpool vice-captain, 25, has struggled in his new midfield position after moving from right-back, failing to influence the proceedings as much as he would have liked in England’s opening two group-stage games.
In a midfield trio alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, Alexander-Arnold hasn’t been as effective, which has led to significant criticism directed at both him and manager Gareth Southgate from the English media and fans alike.
After the 1-1 draw with Denmark, Gareth Southgate admitted that Alexander-Arnold is being experimented with in a new role to cope with the absence of Kalvin Phillips, who was a part of England’s 2022 World Cup squad but only managed two appearances. Alexander-Arnold has started in both Euro 2024 games thus far but was substituted first on both occasions as England sits on four points.
Paul Scholes has offered a solution on how to get the best out of Alexander-Arnold. He suggests that England should start the Liverpool man at left-back, a position that would leverage his crossing ability and allow him to contribute offensively from the flanks. Additionally, Scholes recommends starting Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer on the right flank for Tuesday’s game against Slovenia.
“Sunday am thoughts… TAA left-back, Kobbie Mainoo centre mid, Palmer on the right… would give reasons but too many touchy f***ers out there.”, Scholes posted on his Instagram story.
The left-back position has been a significant area of concern for England. Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, the only out-and-out left-back, came into the European Championships unfit, having not played a game since February. In Shaw’s absence, Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier, who is more comfortable playing on the opposite flank, has deputized for the opening two games.
More Liverpool news
- RM Leipzig eyeing summer deal for breakout Liverpool midfielder
- Manchester United join the race for in-demand Liverpool target impressing at Euro 2024
- Serie A Bosman deal could aid Liverpool in strengthening their midfield
With Trippier nursing a calf problem and his status for England’s vital fixture against Slovenia currently unknown, Southgate may take advice from Scholes and deploy Alexander-Arnold at left-back. This could get the most out of the Liverpool star’s devilish crossing abilities, something we haven’t watched at the Euros so far.
Also by moving the 25-year-old to full-back, we may finally see our vice-captain get back to his best and shut up the critics with a strong display on Tuesday.
