Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler believes Trent Alexander-Arnold doesn't have to drastically change his game in order to become a regular starter for the national team.
England played two European Championship qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia earlier this month, with Alexander-Arnold starting on the right of a midfield trio in both fixtures, donning the no.10 jersey. Gareth Southgate first utilised the traditional right back there two years ago, and towards the end of last season he thrived in a hybrid role as a result of Jurgen Klopp's tactical alterations.
The 24-year-old scored a superb long-range effort in the 4-0 victory in Ta' Qali during his first start, before assisting Arsenal's Bukayo Saka in the second match at Old Trafford.
After taking his latest opportunity in the Three Lions shirt, the Reds star has been backed by Liverpool alumni Fowler as one of the country's strongest assets in his latest column for The Mirror, titled "Trent doesn't need to reinvent the wheel!"
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"If Trent Alexander-Arnold was put on the transfer list by Liverpool tomorrow, every top club in Europe would want to sign him," Fowler began to explain. "Pep Guardiola would love him at Manchester City. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich exactly the same.
"That’s why I don’t buy into this theory that Trent has to reinvent himself if he is going to break into Gareth Southgate’s team. He excelled in midfield as England wiped the floor with Malta and North Macedonia in their two Euro qualifiers last week.
"The big question now being asked by the pundits is whether he can do the business against some world-class opposition. But Alexander-Arnold is one of England’s best 11 footballers - whether he is operating as a full-back or a midfielder.
"He should be one of the first names on Southgate’s team sheet. The quality he provides on the ball more than outweighs the defensive deficiencies that have been used as a big stick to beat him with."
The Kirkby academy graduate has come under scrutiny at various stages of his professional career, however Fowler clearly disagrees, shovelling on the praise by comparing Alexander-Arnold with some of the greatest players in recent generations.
"The bottom line is that Alexander-Arnold gives England a creativity that they would otherwise be lacking.
"The quality and range of his passing is up there with Kevin De Bruyne. When it comes to set-pieces, he is the best England have produced since David Beckham," said Fowler.
Andy Robertson recently discussed his belief that his team-mate will tackle any challenges in the upcoming season, and so too does Fowler.
The final message of hiss column was powerful one sent directly to the England manager. He added: "Jurgen Klopp asked him [Alexander-Arnold] to push into midfield as an inverted right-back during the final weeks of the season - and was rewarded with some stellar performances.
"I would like to see Southgate be brave and give him the same kind of role, rather than simply using him as an orthodox midfielder."
"It’s a travesty that at the age of 24, a player who has been instrumental in helping Liverpool win every trophy possible has just 20 caps for his country.
"It was great to hear Trent say after his goalscoring performance against Malta that he wants to give Southgate 'a headache.' Hopefully, he’s done exactly that."
