Gary Neville has voiced strong opinions about a Liverpool player at Euro 2024
Despite England’s underwhelming start in their first two matches, Gareth Southgate chose to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold from the starting lineup against Slovenia, opting for Conor Gallagher in midfield instead.
The Chelsea player was substituted at halftime during what was considered the tournament’s worst match to date. On ITV, former Manchester United defender Neville expressed his astonishment at how Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s vice-captain, was being utilized in the national team.
Neville stated, “I have to mention Trent Alexander-Arnold. I understand it’s a competitive game and players can be left out, but I believe he’s the best right-back we’ve ever produced in terms of possession. Now, he’s sitting on the bench wondering, ‘What is going on?’. He must be devastated.”
When someone as loyal to Manchester United as Neville is defending Alexander-Arnold, it highlights Southgate’s questionable treatment of the Liverpool star.
Statistics show that the 25-year-old was a rare creative force in England’s otherwise lackluster performances against Serbia and Denmark. Yet, he was unfairly blamed for the dull game against Slovenia.
Instead of turning to Alexander-Arnold, Southgate replaced Gallagher at halftime with Kobbie Mainoo and only brought on the Liverpool vice-captain for a brief six-minute appearance at the end of the dire match.
Kyle Walker has not been particularly impressive at Euro 2024, aside from his assist for Harry Kane’s goal against Denmark. However, Southgate’s conservative approach and loyalty to veteran players suggest it is unlikely he will replace Walker with Alexander-Arnold.
It is evident that Liverpool’s number 66 could provide the creativity that England desperately needs. Should the team be eliminated in the next round with Alexander-Arnold on the bench, Southgate will have serious questions to answer.
Despite England’s underwhelming start in their first two matches, Gareth Southgate chose to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold from the starting lineup against Slovenia, opting for Conor Gallagher in midfield instead.
The Chelsea player was substituted at halftime during what was considered the tournament’s worst match to date. On ITV, former Manchester United defender Neville expressed his astonishment at how Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s vice-captain, was being utilized in the national team.
Neville stated, “I have to mention Trent Alexander-Arnold. I understand it’s a competitive game and players can be left out, but I believe he’s the best right-back we’ve ever produced in terms of possession. Now, he’s sitting on the bench wondering, ‘What is going on?’. He must be devastated.”
When someone as loyal to Manchester United as Neville is defending Alexander-Arnold, it highlights Southgate’s questionable treatment of the Liverpool star.
Statistics show that the 25-year-old was a rare creative force in England’s otherwise lackluster performances against Serbia and Denmark. Yet, he was unfairly blamed for the dull game against Slovenia.
Instead of turning to Alexander-Arnold, Southgate replaced Gallagher at halftime with Kobbie Mainoo and only brought on the Liverpool vice-captain for a brief six-minute appearance at the end of the dire match.
Kyle Walker has not been particularly impressive at Euro 2024, aside from his assist for Harry Kane’s goal against Denmark. However, Southgate’s conservative approach and loyalty to veteran players suggest it is unlikely he will replace Walker with Alexander-Arnold.
It is evident that Liverpool’s number 66 could provide the creativity that England desperately needs. Should the team be eliminated in the next round with Alexander-Arnold on the bench, Southgate will have serious questions to answer.