Empire of the Kop
·21 June 2024
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEmpire of the Kop
·21 June 2024
England and Gareth Southgate will seemingly never learn when it comes to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Liverpool fullback was scapegoated once more by Gareth Southgate during the Three Lions’ disappointing draw with Denmark in their European Championship group stage clash.
Former Reds star Ryan McLaughlin rightly pointed out that the No.66 ‘was the scapegoat before a ball was even kicked this tournament’ on X (formerly Twitter).
There remains some debate over Trent’s suitability for the midfield role. Though, it’s very much worth pointing out that the right-back created the most chances for England despite coming off shortly after the half-time break.
Elsewhere, Arne Slot was officially unveiled as Liverpool’s new head coach and shared his reaction to Jurgen Klopp’s chant in his farewell speech.
Southgate appears to be succumbing to media narrative – (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
We can absolutely appreciate arguments to reinstate Alexander-Arnold at right-back. McLaughlin certainly has a case given its where the 25-year-old played his best football for Jurgen Klopp.
However, if we are going to persist with a change in role, we find it baffling that Southgate lacks the stomach to stick with his own experiment.
Particularly in light of the Scouser’s admission that he’d been seriously working on a midfield switch with the England boss and his coaching staff.
“This may seem brand new but it’s not. We’ve been working – me, the manager, Steve Holland – really hard on this role throughout the past year. A lot of prep has gone into it, a lot of information, a lot of learning and a lot of analysing,” the defender-turned-midfielder told ITV.
What gives, Gareth? What gives?
Live
Live