- England beat Bosnia in their first warm-up friendly before heading to Euros
- Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Kane secured the England win
- Sunday league, grassroots, pub football… how Pep’s influence has trickled down the pyramid – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been hailed by fans for his exquisite volley in England’s 3-0 win over Bosnia, with some claiming he made a good case to start at the Euros later this month.
The Liverpool star took his tally for the national team to three on Monday night with a superb effort from a tight angle. His goal doubled the advantage of Gareth Southgate‘s side at St James’ Park after Cole Palmer had opened the scoring on the hour.
Harry Kane came off the bench to score his 63rd international goal on his 90th cap but it was the Reds defender – making his sixth consecutive appearance for England in midfield – who grabbed the headlines.
The 25-year-old drifted into space on the right flank and unleashed a pinpoint effort after a deft cross from Jack Grealish.
‘The technique on that. What a goal from Trent. Outrageous.’ Wrote one fan on X, formerly Twitter.
Another said: ‘Lovely finish, that.’ A third commented: ‘Trent Alexander-Arnold makes it 2-0 to England with an UNREAL finish. RB, CM… this guy can do it all. What a goal to seal the match.’
To add further intrigue to Alexander-Arnold’s display, his goal came after he had moved to his more familiar right-back position following a flurry of changes by the England manager.
The Reds man appears to be one of a number of players vying for the midfield position alongside Declan Rice at the European Championships.
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Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, who started beside him on Monday night, as well as Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and his Anfield team-mate Curtis Jones are other names in the frame.
Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton, who came on for his England debut, is another that is being considered, while the Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden is also more than capable of playing in a deeper midfield role.
Alexander-Arnold certainly did his chances of making the final 26-man squad or indeed the starting XI for the Three Lions tournament opener on June 16 but viewers still believe his best position is in defence.
‘What a finish trent! He’s better at RB for us than midfield it seems. Been way more involved and bagged a goal!’
Another, remarking on his overall display, wrote: ‘Trent Alexander-Arnold capping off what has been an excellent performance with a very tidy goal. Some audition this has been for a starting spot.’
Following the win, Southgate admitted that he had some ‘difficult decisions’ to make ahead of the seven-man cut on Friday.
‘It is a decision where we understand the significance for all of the players. So we are giving it the respect and consideration it deserves to make fair, right decisions.
‘Of course it is always going to be subjective and we have to balance what we need in every area of the pitch as well so that is the added complication.
‘It is not just getting the best individuals in, there is a positional element to that as well. But we have really good options and we came through the game without any physical issues.’