Liverpool Legend Urges Gareth Southgate to Ditch Trent Alexander-Arnold From Euros Starting XI Despite Jurgen Klopp’s Endorsement

The Three Lions will kick start their Euros 2024 campaign as they take on Serbia in their opening contest. Gareth Southgate‘s men are the favorites for the game, with most of their players in substantial form. However, this will create some issues for the manager, as he might have to leave some deserving players on the bench. One such name is Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who might have to give up his spot following his transition to midfield.

Former Liverpool star Steve Nicol touched down on Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s place in England’s playing XI. Talking on ESPN, Nicol claimed there was no chance the defender-turned-midfielder would get a place in the starting line-up. The ex-Reds star stated, “Trent Alexander-Arnold could score a hattrick today and he will not start against Serbia. There’s no way in a million years he will start as a right-back against Serbia; there’s not a chance. And there’s no way he starts in the midfield.”

Nicol added, “If Gareth Southgate is going to be positive, then it’s going to be Bellingham, Rice, and Foden. And if he is not going to be positive, then he will bring in Conor Gallagher beside Rice. Bellingham is in front of them, and Foden goes to the left. I mean, there’s no place on the field where I can see Trent Alexander Arnold start the game. If anyone wants to text us and take a bet, I’ll take one right now.”

While Nicol’s words may seem harsh, he is not far off with his analysis of England’s midfield and the top contenders to start for the Three Lions. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden have put on sublime performances this season and will, most probably, get the nod ahead of Trent.

Jurgen Klopp has backed Trent Alexander-Arnold for future

While things don’t look bright for Trent Alexander-Arnold before Euro 2024, his former boss Jurgen Klopp believes the 25-year-old still has plenty to offer to English football. Klopp was full of praise for his former player in April earlier this year when he claimed ahead of the Merseyside derby against Everton that Trent Alexander-Arnold has been nothing but world-class for Liverpool. The German even added that while people do not appreciate the Englishman right now, he is someone people will talk about 30-40 years from now.

Jurgen Klopp would love to see his former star player start for the national team and live up to the expectations of the fans. But with Gareth Southgate spoilt for choices, it is unlikely that Trent Alexander-Arnold would break into the first team of England in the initial stage of Euro 2024. Who do you think should play in the midfield for England? Sound off in the comments below.