England teammates Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold shared the pitch during England’s UEFA Nations League group stage match against Finland on 13 October. The Liverpool man’s sublime set-piece in the victory was a standout moment, hinting at his long-term future with the national team.
Despite being rivals at club level, they remain good friends in the national squad. The Liverpool right-back returned home £500 richer after winning a bet with Grealish as he lined up a free-kick. It was a bonus for Alexander-Arnold and also for manager Lee Carsley, who is tackling a long-standing issue at left-back.
According to the Independent, the Manchester City star came off worse in the bet, given that he too scored on the night but also saw his side win the game, Grealish is unlikely to be too miffed. His £300,000 pw salary helps as well.
“I told him, ‘I’ll give you 500 quid if you score this.’ And then he’s gone and slapped it in the top bins.”
How TAA is £500 richer
With Luke Shaw sidelined, Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest to step in and fill the left-back role for England. Shaw’s significance to the team was evident when he was rushed back for the European Championship final after a five-month absence. Lee Carsley now views the 26-year-old as a valuable alternative at left-back, despite him not featuring in this role for Liverpool. Options like Rico Lewis, who excels in a similar role for Manchester City, and Levi Colwill have also been tested in this position.
The usual challenge for a right-footer playing on the left is the tendency to cut inside, but Alexander-Arnold defied this expectation during the match against Finland. As he placed the ball down for a free-kick at Helsinki Olympic Stadium, he showcased his set-piece mastery, delivering a perfect strike that few players can replicate.
Under Gareth Southgate, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role was a puzzle, with his brief stint in central midfield during the Euros quickly abandoned after just two games. However, his potential as a long-term successor to Kyle Walker now seems more plausible, given his versatility. Alexander-Arnold’s ability to cover both flanks, much like Kieran Trippier did under Southgate, makes him a valuable asset for England’s defensive options moving forward.
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For the first time, Trent Alexander-Arnold has featured in four consecutive England games, marking a shift in the unresolved question of his position under Gareth Southgate. Kyle Walker, trusted by Southgate as the right-back, now faces potential competition as he approaches 34. Alexander-Arnold’s form at Liverpool in that role makes him a likely challenger, and he carried that momentum into the international break, even pocketing a £500 bonus in the process.
