UEFA Euro 2024 are underway and every football fan around the world has been blessed with amazing quality of football games. However, there has been some underwhelming performances too and notably the most disappointing match was England vs Serbia. It was a normal 1-0 win for England with many takeaways from the game, especially Trent playing as a midfielder for the Lions.
The starting line-ups for England was a shocker as England manager decided to go with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold but not as the typical right-back role, as a midfielder alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
He played for 69 minutes and has the footballing world divided on opinions and views regarding his performance. Jude Bellingham and Rice did not back to show the appreciation for their new midfield partner on social media.
Bellingham scored the only goal of the game with a bullet header from Saka’s cross. Apart from that, England did not create much chances and this game was more of a snooze fest for fans.
However, their were moments in the match where Trent misplaced some easy passes and was also responsible for an early key chance for Serbia that Mitrovic failed to convert. England has some quality options in the squad in that midfield position. This includes Chelsea’s Connor Gallagher and United’s Kobbie Mainoo.
Trent Alexander Arnold as a midfielder: Divided opinions
There has been a divide amongst the opinion regarding Trent as the midfielder. Some believe that England has quality players who can do a better job whereas some believes that Trent is the most suitable for that role.
” When I saw him on the field, he felt lost tactically when it came to defending. Even on the ball, he wasn’t looking that confident.”
Former Arsenal player Emmanuel Petit claimed that Trent looked lost in that position for England.
Southgate wasting the potential of England’s golden generation?
Gareth Southgate is under huge scrutiny and this season may actually be hist last as England’s coach if he fails to win the tournament. England has one of the most star studded squad in the world right now with quality players and depth in almost every position.
However it has been very disappointing for the English fans as they never actually achieved something remarkable given the quality they have. Their best performance under Southgate was the Euros 2020 where they reached the finals but ultimately lost in the penalties against Italy.
England have one of the most threatening attack in the whole tournament but their defensive approach has been stark opposite of what the team is actually capable of. Throughout the game against Serbia, the attack of England was very one dimensional and there was a clear lack of attacking creative that the players actually play with.
Harry Kane had a very bad first half with only 2 touches throughout the match. With Foden as a left winger and Trippier as the left back, there was also no more of the attacking threat from the left side of the team. Saka had a decent game on the right wing and was probably the only player who was doing something and creating some attacking threats.
Another stand out performance was the young centre back Mark Guehi. There was a lot of pressure on him and it is fair to say that the youngster delivered on all those expectations.
In conclusion, England have one of the best chances to win a major trophy after their 1966 world cup trophy but to achieve it, Southgate needs to modify his tactics and play with player’s actual potential.
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