Trent Alexander-Arnold has said he ‘feels comfortable’ in midfield after playing a starring role during England’s 4-0 win over Malta.
The Three Lions kicked off their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with a convincing win in Ta’ Qali, with the Liverpool man handed the number 10 shirt by Gareth Southgate.
The 24-year-old has come in for criticism for much of the season following his displays at right-back for Liverpool, but seemed to relish being asked to play further forward towards the end of the season in a midfield role.
Such concerns over his defensive abilities, combined with England’s strength and depth at right back, have often seen Trent overlooked by Southgate, though he was selected to play in a three-man midfield against the European minnows.
Alexander-Arnold was involved in the opener as Malta scored an own goal, before he doubled the scoreline with a fine effort from range, and speaking after the game, he said he isn’t bothered where he is asked to play, but admitted he ‘feels comfortable’ in midfield,
“It’s still early doors as I haven’t played it too much but it feels comfortable, it feels natural and is somewhere I enjoy playing,” he told Channel 4.
“It’s somewhere I can see myself playing. For me, it’s about getting myself into this team and trying to be a regular name of the team sheet. Today was a good foundation to build on.”
A stunner from Trent Alexander-Arnold 🤤#EQGOTT | @AlipayPlus pic.twitter.com/FL7f8pgMPv
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 16, 2023
“Hopefully, I am a player who can be used in a number of positions. That gets you on teams sheets and gets you minutes on the pitch,” he continued.
“I’m not too bothered where I play, as long as I’m playing and I bring my game, create chances, score goals and help defensively. No matter what position I’m playing in, I’ll give it my all and try and win the game.”
England have Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James competing with Trent for the right-back berth, and hopes his end-of-season outings in midfield for Liverpool opens up more opportunities for the national side.
“Regarding England, I always think the manager has tried to find a way to get me into the team. And the quality of players in the position that I play in, it’s been difficult to find,” he said.
“The role I’ve been playing in club football it’s opened an avenue for me and hopefully it’s an option he can use and one that he wants to use a lot. It’s still early doors, one game, it’s about making sure when I do get the opportunities I take it.”
