Liverpool supporters were lapping up Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first-half masterclass in an England shirt.
Gareth Southgate gave the Reds man a rare start for the Three Lions Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta. Alexander-Arnold has not always been preferred by the England boss, with public comments comparing him to Kieran Trippier last year angering Liverpool supporters.
However, the 24-year-old’s impressive form toward the back end of the campaign was rewarded with his second England appearance in 12 months. Jurgen Klopp has tinkered with Alexander-Arnold by playing him in an advanced role - a move that must not have gone unnoticed by Southgate.
It was actually the Three Lions chief who first fielded him in midfield two years ago and, versus Malta, he replicated that tactic. Southgate played Alexander-Arnold in a midfield three alongside Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice - a move that paid dividends.
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For England’s opener, Alexander Arnold played a 40-yard pass on the turn to send Bukayo Saka charging down the touchline. The ball dumbfounded Malta’s backline and allowed the Arsenal man to cut across to Harry Kane for a simple finish that actually went down as an own goal.
The Liverpool talisman then decided to get in on the act himself to double England’s advantage. Roughly 25 yards from goal, Alexander-Arnold smashed an outrageous strike beyond the hapless Henry Bonello - a goal Reds supporters have witnessed many times before.
One baffled fan questioned why the right-back turned midfielder - enjoying his finest hour on the international stage - had been snubbed many times previously by Southgate.
Another went as far as to suggest England must play Alexander-Arnold regularly if they are serious about winning silverware. As football fans are aware, the Three Lions have not clinched glory since the 1966 World Cup.
Most supporters echoed the sentiments towards Southgate for realising Alexander-Arnold’s quality, with one calling the West Darby-born star a “generational” talent.
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