TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is in “pole position” to start in Gareth Southgate’s midfield for England’s opening game of the Euros against Serbia, according to reports.
There has been much debate surrounding the third spot in the middle of the park, with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham certainties for Sunday’s clash.
Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton have all been considered as options.
Some have also called for Bellingham to play deeper, freeing up Phil Foden to move from the left into the No10 position.
But according to The Telegraph, Liverpool man Alexander-Arnold is the front-runner to kick off the tournament in Southgate’s side.
Having progressed into midfield from right-back, he impressed for his country in a 3-0 win over Bosnia last week.
Alexander-Arnold, who has been given the No8 shirt for the Euros, scored a superb volley to round off an accomplished display in which his stunning range of passing was front and centre.
He also came off the bench in Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Iceland – taking his number of caps to 25.
A source told The Telegraph: “A lot can change, obviously, but Trent was given the No 8 shirt for a reason.”
England flew to Germany from Birmingham Airport on Monday, six days before they begin a campaign they will be hoping runs until July 14.
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And it is understood Southgate will be keeping a close eye on a number of his players when they begin training amid fitness concerns.
John Stones, Bukayo Saka, Foden, Bellingham and Luke Shaw are all carrying various issues.
Stones was substituted at half-time in the loss to Iceland, while Saka has yet to shake off a groin injury picked up at the end of the Premier League season.
Foden and Bellingham are also being monitored, while Shaw is near a return to selection but is not expected to be ready for the Serbia game.
This is likely to mean Kieran Trippier will start at left-back for their Euros opener, before they face Denmark on June 20 and Slovenia five days later.
England’s base for the Euros is the luxury Weimarer Land Golf Hotel and Spa in central Germany.
The FA snapped up the 350-acre resort — including a Wembley-quality training pitch and three golf courses — in an £800,000 deal in November.
