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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

'No question' - Gareth Southgate confirms Trent Alexander-Arnold talks as Liverpool defender 'invigorated'

England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed holding talks with recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold over the new role he believes has "invigorated" the Liverpool defender.

Alexander-Arnold has been named in the latest Three Lions squad for the forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers in Malta on June 16 and against North Macedonia at Old Trafford three days later.

The Liverpool defender wasn't included for March's qualifying double-header against Italy and Ukraine and has earned only six caps since October 2020, a spell during which England have played 38 games.

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However, an injury to Chelsea's Reece James has opened the door for Alexander-Arnold to be part of the latest get-together alongside fellow right-backs Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United and Manchester City's Kyle Walker.

The 24-year-old has been in impressive form over the closing weeks of the season, playing a key part in Liverpool taking 22 points from an available 24, having been transformed into an 'inverted' right-back in which he has regularly stepped into central midfield, providing six assists and scoring one goal in the process.

And Southgate - who started Alexander-Arnold in midfield for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra in September 2021 - admits the switch in position has prompted intrigue within the England camp.

"He is a super footballer and he's obviously playing in a slightly different role which I think has invigorated him in the last few months," said the England boss. "He has always, of course, been in advanced areas of the pitch with the ball. He is just a little bit more central now.

"That's interesting for us, no question. It's something I've talked with him about in the last couple of weeks and again we are looking forward to working with Trent and we'll see how that all plays out."

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has also been included in the squad. Meanwhile, Reds duo Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have both been named in the England preparation camp ahead of next month's UEFA U21 Euros in Romania and Georgia.

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