Via Liverpool.com
Gareth Southgate made certain "assurances" to Trent Alexander-Arnold at Euro 2024, it has emerged.
The Liverpool star had to settle for a peripheral role after beginning the tournament as a starter.
Come the final, Alexander-Arnold did not even get off the bench.
Southgate was preparing to bring on Kieran Trippier instead when Spain netted the winning goal, indicating the full-back's diminished status within the England hierarchy.
That came after an initial commitment to experimenting with Alexander-Arnold in midfield at Euro 2024,
But after two starts, in which he was the first to be substituted on both occasions, the 25-year-old was condemned to the bench thereafter.
Trent did get one moment of glory, having been substituted on against Switzerland deep into extra-time. It fell to him to take the fifth penalty
But if he had hoped that would prompt a greater role for the remainder of the tournament, he was sadly mistaken. He would not take to the field again at Euro 2024.
That's despite the fact that Southgate apparently made "assurances" to Alexander-Arnold after brutally withdrawing him early in the second half during the draw with Denmark.
The England manager felt the need to take the Liverpool man aside.
Per The Athletic, Alexander-Arnold and Gallagher were both pulled for talks, with the Chelsea man "deeply disappointed" at his half-time withdrawal against Slovenia
Southgate assured both that they would still have important contributions to make, even if they were from the bench.
In Alexander-Arnold's case, he was technically correct, given what transpired with the winning penalty against Switzerland
Even so, the assurances ring pretty hollow in light of the minutes Alexander-Arnold received after Southgate had so quickly abandoned the midfield experiment
In truth, he barely got a kick of the football following these talks.
Questions over Alexander-Arnold's limited role at the Euros have grown in volume in light of the final
Kyle Walker was at fault as England fell to defeat, raising more doubts over Southgate's preferences at right-back.
Comments