Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to be benched for England’s Euro 2024 clash with Slovenia as Gareth Southgate puts his “experiment” on the backburner.
- Alexander-Arnold to be dropped vs Slovenia
- Criticised for midfield performances in first two games
- Chelsea’s Gallagher in line to replace him
WHAT HAPPENED?
Nominally a right-back, the Liverpool man started his country’s first two games at the tournament in midfield against Serbia and Denmark but has come in for some fierce criticism having largely flattered to deceive. It seems Southgate hasn’t been overly impressed with how his so-called “experiment” has progressed either, with The Athletic reporting that Alexander-Arnold will be dropped for the Three Lions’ final group stage match against Slovenia on Tuesday night.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Having shelved his project, there were a few options available to the England boss, and it seems he has pipped for Conor Gallagher as a replacement. The Chelsea midfielder has come on as a substitute for Alexander-Arnold in each of England’s opening two games and is now set to start ahead of him alongside Declan Rice in the crucial showdown with Slovenia, according to the report.
DID YOU KNOW?
Based on the opportunities he has provided for his team-mates, Alexander-Arnold has actually been England’s most creative player at the European Championship statistically so far. Southgate has a full compliment of players to choose from with Luke Shaw finally rejoining full training, while Kieran Trippier has recovered from a knock.
WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
Despite their underwhelming performances, tournament favourites England have all-but qualified for the last 16 at Euro 2024 having taken four points from two games so far. They will expect to top Group C by beating Slovenia on Tuesday night in Cologne.
