England fans give their verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stint at left back after ‘failed’ Euro 2024 midfield experiment as Roy Keane continues to slam the defender
- Trent Alexander-Arnold was deployed at left back when England faced Finland
- The surprise selection caused division among England fans on social media
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England fans are divided in their opinion of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance in an unconventional role as the Three Lions faced Finland in Helsinki.
Despite England slumping to a disappointing defeat to Greece in midweek with a much-changed system, Lee Carsley was once again bold in his selections for Sunday’s Nations League match.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was handed only his second senior cap for the Three Lions and his first since 2020, while Alexander-Arnold was deployed at left-back.
The 26-year-old has never played in the position for club or country, with the selection marking the latest attempt to get the most out of the Liverpool star at international level.
At Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate looked to utilize Alexander-Arnold’s playing skills in midfield for England’s first two games in the competition.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was deployed at left back for England’s match against Finland
Lee Carsley started the Liverpool defender on the left for the first time in his senior career
The surprise selection follows Gareth Southgate’s attempt to integrate Alexander-Arnold into midfield at the 2024 Euros
However, the experiment ultimately proved unsuccessful and he was limited to just two cameo appearances off the bench as England suffered heartbreak against Spain in the final.
Speaking about Alexander-Arnold’s latest pre-match reshuffle, Roy Keane seemed unimpressed.
He said on ITV: ‘Watching him defend last night it looked like he had never played as a right-back before.’
However, Keane’s views were not shared by all England fans on social media, with many praising his performance as England went into half-time with a 1-0 lead at the Olympic Stadium.
One wrote: ‘Better performance so far from England. A beautiful passage between Grealish, Trent, Gomes and Bellingham’
Another added: ‘Trent’s first game at LB intrigues me more than that nonsense midfield experiment, I’d like to let this one land quietly.’
Some supporters on social media were impressed by his performance on the left flank
A third fan agreed: ‘Trent Jude and Grealish on this left is something else.’
However, other supporters stressed that Alexander-Arnold’s defensive vulnerabilities make him unsuitable, with one commenting: ‘Trent lb isn’t working.’
Another fan wrote: ‘Trent is so overrated, he looks completely lost when defending.’
A third added: ‘Anyone annoyed by how poor Trent AA is in REALITY compared to the fawning coverage and opportunities he gets.’
Alexander-Arnold’s ability to influence games in the final third became immediately apparent as England looked to get back on track.
His pass in the 18th minute found Angel Gomes, who brilliantly played Jack Grealish to give England the lead.
Others insisted that Alexander-Arnold’s defensive vulnerabilities could expose England
Roy Keane added that the Liverpool star had flattered to deceive in England’s loss to Greece
The Liverpool star continued to impress in the second half as he doubled England’s lead with an inch-perfect free-kick, scoring his fourth international goal since making his debut in 2018.
Declan Rice then made it three for the Three Lions with a close-range strike in the closing stages.
However, the hosts managed to secure a consolation, with a poor England defense allowing Arttu Hoskonen to head home at the near post.