Southgate reckons Alexander-Arnold can remedy large England problem at Euro 2024

Gareth Southgate knows more than most how Trent Alexander-Arnold remains one of England’s most unfulfilled talents of modern times.

Alexander-Arnold might have enjoyed huge success at club level in recent season, after helping Liverpool win their first league title in 30 years as well as the Champions League.

But the 25-year-old has experienced nothing but frustration when it comes to the Three Lions.

Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold made his England debut against Costa Rica at Elland Road in 2018 ahead of the World Cup and was presented his shirt by Prince William.

But since then he has gone on to win just 23 more caps, despite being hailed as one of the best talents in English football.

Alexander-Arnold made just one appearance as England reached the semi finals in Russia, then missed the entire Euro 2020 tournament due to a thigh injury suffered in the build up.

He was also included in the squad for the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022, but once again made just one appearances, as a substitute against Wales in the group stages.

Alexander-Arnold has resembled a a spare part at times when it comes to England. But since moving into a midfield role with Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has taken his game to a new level.

Something he continued to do in Monday’s 3-0 warm-up win over Bosnia & Herzegovina at St James’ Park.

Alexander-Arnold capped an impressive display with a stunning goal and Southgate reckons the Scouser is learning to love being in an England shirt again.

He said: “Firstly, he is enjoying playing in an England shirt. He has had a difficult international career in that, because of the strength in depth in the area, we haven’t always been able to give him the amount of football that his talent deserves.

“But we have always been trying to find a way to do that, and I think he knows that and he appreciates that, so it is lovely to see him score, have that moment and play with that confidence for England.

“We were very pleased (with Alexander-Arnold in midfield). It is a role he is discovering. He is hungry to learn, and has been since I talked to him about playing it a year or so ago.

“And equally, what we saw in the last half-an-hour is also an important option for us as well.

“We are going to have different challenges in this tournament and we are going to have to have different ways of solving problems that teams pose us.”