Trent Alexander-Arnold described England’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina as a ‘positive night’ despite the Three Lions receiving criticism for a below-par display.
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The Liverpool star was on the scoresheet as Gareth Southgate’s side warmed up for Euro 2024 with a 3-0 win in Newcastle. Alexander-Arnold doubled the hosts’ lead with a superb volley late on to further his claims for a spot in the starting line-up at the tournament in Germany.
England though received criticism for the manner of their victory. It took the Three Lions until the hour mark to break the deadlock through a Cole Palmer penalty before Alexander-Arnold and Harry Kane rounded off the scoring late on.
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Without the likes of Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice starting, there was criticism for England’s performance, with Alexander-Arnold also receiving some flak during the first half. The Reds’ vice-captain responded in style though, and made his feelings clear on playing for his country.
“I think it was a positive night and it was a good one,” Alexander-Arnold told BBC Radio 5 Live after the game.
“[It’s] a foundation laid and one to build on. After not playing for two weeks, it was always bound to be a bit of a slow start to the game.
“We built into it as a team and we found our feet, especially in the second half. We made adjustments and were able to penetrate through them and find people through the lines and do what we wanted to do. We can take a lot of positives today and build on it for Friday [against Iceland].”
He added: “I love playing football and it was one I have been excited for the past two weeks and all focus has been on that.
“We had a good week [of] training. I was itching to get out there, I love playing for my country, I love representing it. It’s always amazing to get these opportunities.”
Liverpool.com says: It does feel sometimes that Alexander-Arnold just can’t win. He was by far one of the standouts in what was a lackluster performance from England, and scored a superb goal to cap off his display, yet he’s still told he has ‘no chance’ of getting a start at this summer’s Euros by former players.
It’s hard to know what more he can do. Even after going on the charm offensive and declaring his love for playing for his country, there’ll still be plenty insisting he shouldn’t be in the side.
The argument for not playing him is getting pretty flimsy now. You just cannot ignore that sort of talent. Whether it’s in midfield or at right-back, Southgate has to find a place in his team for Alexander-Arnold.