England recently started their Euro 2024 campaign by winning 1-0 against Serbia. The three lions have been favourites to win the European championship since the last tournament. They fell short only by one step when they lost to Italy on penalties in the finals. However, things might be looking a little different this time.
Gareth Southgate has made some very important changes to the English squad. He has rounded up a very young and talented team this time around. One of the players whom Southgate is testing in the midfield is Liverpool star Trent Alexander Arnold. The youngest is known for his amazing crossing abilities and defensive work as well. He plays regularly at the fullback position for his club. This helps him to develop defensive skills as well as his crossing abilities towards other players on the team.
Trent has regularly been praised by fans for his amazing passing and midfield abilities. However, he has also been criticized for being very lackluster and making silly mistakes when in the line of defense. Gareth Southgate, however, has seemed to notice this and is playing him as an attacking midfielder. He has been paired up with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and Arsenal defensive midfielder Declan Rice. The trio together seemed like they were running the whole show.
After Jude Bellingham gave England an early lead through a header that went in goal, the trio dominated possession and made sure that’s why they did not make their way back into the game.
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE ENGLAND TRIO
In Trent’s recent social media post, it seems that the players are not just close on the field. The players seem to be close off the field as well. The Liverpool star took to Instagram, where he posted a picture of him and Bellingham celebrating the goal. Declan Rice also joined in by commenting with heart eyes on the post.
England has faced midfield struggles in the past, especially during major games. However, this time the whole English midfield seems to be in good form. They also have Phil Foden and Cole Palmer available to play whenever needed by the squad. As for now, it seems that Trent’s recent performance has cemented his spot in the starting 11. Gareth Southgate will currently be in a difficult position to decide which players to start in the upcoming games.
England have been hoping to win the euros since the last tournament. Losing out on penalties would have definitely hurt the morale of many players. Southgate has made some noticeable changes in the squad since that time. He is definitely looking towards a more young and attacking approach.
It will be very interesting to see what Southgate has planned for their next game against Denmark. There will be many questions about whether he will be rotating the squad or sticking with the same starting 11 for the game. England have successfully secured 3 points and are favourites to top Group C. As for the trio, Rice and Bellingham seem sure to start. It will be interesting to see who Southgate picks to play alongside them.
Cole Palmer who won the Premier League Young Player Award is waiting for his opportunity to shine at the Euros. Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden is also on the bench waiting to take up midfield responsibilities for his nation. The gamble of playing Trent in midfield might be a masterstroke or might cost England heavily later in the tournament. Southgate is expected to keep his job depending on his performance this tournament. Each game will be equally as important for the manager as the players.
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