- England’s Euro 2024 campaign gets underway against Serbia on Sunday
- Gareth Southgate is considering starting Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield
- Click here to follow Mail Sport’s Euro 2024 WhatsApp Channel for all the latest breaking news and updates from Germany
Gareth Southgate is set to continue his Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment this week in a clear indication the England boss is seriously considering starting the Liverpool star in the Euro 2024 opener.
The head coach has explored the idea of deploying the Anfield vice-captain, who plays at right-back for his club, in central midfield for the past 12 months as he searches for a ball-playing partner for Declan Rice.
The identity of who plays next to Rice has been a mystery heading into the tournament following the omission of Kalvin Phillips, who in normal circumstances would play with Rice.
But it is understood Southgate heads into the final week of preparations ahead of Sunday’s clash against Serbia minded to hand Alexander-Arnold his biggest midfield test yet.
Southgate will use the next few days to fine tune his plans ahead of the game on Gelsenkirchen, and while no final decisions on the starting XI for Sunday’s clash have been made, Alexander-Arnold has a strong chance of being selected.
The 25-year-old has been handed the No 8 shirt for the tournament, potentially a clue towards what looks set to be a lead role in Germany.
Southgate is keen to utilise his players during the tournament as he contends with various fitness issues and has options in midfield.
Conor Gallagher impressed in last week’s warm-up game versus Bosnia and his chances are helped by the fact he plays in midfield for Chelsea.
Kobbie Mainoo started against Iceland on Friday while Adam Wharton has earned rave reviews since he broke into the squad.
Jude Bellingham could also feature next to Rice, but Southgate has the Real Madrid star earmarked for an advanced role.
Indeed, Southgate knows he has expertise in that area of the pitch should his experiment fail to make the desired impact.
Elsewhere, Marc Guehi is in line to make his first start in a major international tournament in the heart of England’s defence; with Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier likely to play at full-back.
Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are the favourites to play either side of captain Harry Kane in attack.
Meanwhile, Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been announced a surprise addition to Southgate’s contingent in Germany.
Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson have been selected as England’s goalkeepers for the tournament but Heaton, 38, has been added as a training keeper.
‘Experience tells us that a tournament can put a lot of demand on our goalkeeping group led by Martyn Margetson,’ said Southgate.
‘Tom will play an invaluable role on the training pitch supporting Jordan, Aaron and Dean. Off the field as someone we all know well, he will add to the positive environment we are always looking to create.’