Euro 2024: Gareth Southgate supports Trent Alexander-Arnold to begin in the midfield position for England’s first match against Serbia.

Gareth Southgate is confident that Trent Alexander-Arnold is ready to play in central midfield for England’s opening match of Euro 2024 against Serbia. While Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are expected to start, the third midfield spot has been a topic of discussion. Despite being a right-back for Liverpool, Southgate believes Alexander-Arnold can offer something different in midfield.

Southgate stated, “We believe so. We think he can offer something we don’t have and give the team a different dimension. He’s really been diligent in understanding the role. He has as good a passing range as anybody in world football. He’s been really invested in learning, understanding all aspects of the game in that role. His mentality and attitude towards it have been absolutely first-class.”

Although Alexander-Arnold often moves into central positions for his club, he did not start in midfield for Liverpool last season. However, he had an impressive season with three goals and 10 assists in all competitions. He also scored his third goal for England against Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite a 1-0 defeat to Iceland in his most recent appearance.

Meanwhile, Kyle Walker, who is expected to start at right-back for England, expressed his shock at the omission of his Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish from the squad. Grealish had limited game time during City’s Premier League-winning campaign, but Walker understood the decision with players like Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, and Phil Foden in the squad.

Walker said, “Shocked because I know what Jack can do. Was I shocked because of the players he’s brought in? No because I think they’re all at a great quality and they’ve all had fantastic seasons.” Gordon scored 21 goals in the Premier League last season, while Eze contributed 15 goals, nine more than Grealish.

Walker acknowledged that Grealish could have had a better season but emphasized that players should be selected based on merit. He stated, “You’re here on merit and I believe always it should be like that. You’re in this team because you’ve played well for your club which then puts you into the England fold.”

England will face Serbia in their opening Euro 2024 match, and Southgate and his players are confident in their abilities to secure a victory.