"I don’t understand why Gareth Southgate has made that decision" - Pundit believes England star is 'completely wasted' in new role
Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Chris Waddle has criticised England coach Gareth Southgate for his decision to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield. The Three Lions will play their last Euro 2024 group-stage game against Slovenia on Tuesday, June 25.
Southgate's tactics came under the microscope following their 1-1 draw against Denmark on June 20. Trent, who has started in midfield alongside Declan Rice in the tournament so far, was substituted in the second half in both of England's games.
Midfield has been an area of concern for the Euro 2020 runner-ups. England's attack has also looked devoid of creativity, promoting pundits to urge Southgate to drop captain Harry Kane.
Waddle, however, feels Trent is being used in the wrong area. He believes the Englishman's penchant for playing long balls is wasted as none of his teammates make runs to receive them and are ball-to-feet players instead.
Waddle said (via GOAL):
"Trent Alexander-Arnold is playing as part of a midfield two, and I don’t understand why Gareth Southgate has made that decision. At England, there are no runners, so his greatest strength – his passing range – in that midfield role is completely wasted. He’s playing it simple because he has too – all these England players in front of him, except for Saka sometimes, want the ball to feet."
"Trent’s a wonderful player, but his best attribute is being wasted in this midfield role for England. If we’re going to play Trent in midfield, then Southgate needs to get more runners into his team. We need a player with the mindset to think ‘When Trent’s on the ball, I'm going to run behind my full-back because he’ll find me'."
England just need one point from their game against Slovenia to confirm qualification for the Round of 16 of Euro 2024.
Ashley Cole said he'd like to see Kobbie Mainoo or Cole Palmer play in midfield for England
Former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole wants Gareth Southgate to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with either Kobbie Mainoo or Cole Palmer in midfield. The latter is yet to play in the tournament despite coming into the European Championships off the back of a brilliant season with Chelsea.
The 22-year-old scored 27 goals and managed 15 assists in 48 appearances across competitions for the Blues. He might be the option Southgate has been looking for.
"In terms of midfield or other changes I’d like to see Kobbie or Cole Palmer play in midfield, be more front-footed, dominate the ball a bit more they would be my changes," Cole said (via beIN SPORTS).
The former Chelsea left-back also suggested that Bukayo Saka should be given a rest, with Anthony Gordon playing on the left-wing and Phil Foden on the right.