Analysis from Theo Squires in Berlin after England's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of the European Championship
“We're talking about knockout football. Whether England win or lose is going to be down to moments. A mistake - concentration. At this moment in time, I can't see how Gareth can go into a knockout game playing Trent Alexander-Arnold .” - Gary Neville, November 2022.
The Liverpool defender can’t defend, we’re told. And after years of it being insisted upon us that he should play in midfield rather than at right-back, as soon as such a change is put into practice by England manager Gareth Southgate, we’re informed with even greater confidence by esteemed pundits that that isn’t the answer either.
Merging into an inverted full-back during the past 18 months at Liverpool, it will be down to Arne Slot to decide whether his future can be in midfield or if he will remain the best right-back in the world. When Walker’s struggles were pointed out in the ECHO’s player ratings from the night, some responded by insisting he’s better than Alexander-Arnold and that the Liverpool defender can’t defend. How that excuses the 34-year-old’s latest failings, we’ll never know.
Perhaps only then Alexander-Arnold will belatedly get the opportunity his talent deserves and silence his blinkered critics once and for all. It’s enough for the Scouser, who has won all there is to win for his boyhood club. But those of a Liverpool persuasion, privy to watching him run the show for the Reds week after week, know he deserves so much better.With Euro 2024 and Copa America now over, attention will turn back to club football, pre-season and the transfer window. And for Liverpool, three expiring contracts too, of course.
The Chelsea man scored an astonishing equaliser for the Three Lions moments after joining the action against Spain, having set up the winner for Ollie Watkins after coming on late-on in the semi-final against Netherlands. Snapped up for a paltry £42.5m from Man City last summer, Chelsea landed a bargain. Continuing to battle PSR problems year after year, time will tell if it ever leads to them being forced to cash in on their prized jewel.
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