Declan Rice has come forward in defense of his English teammate Trent Alexander Arnold. Fans and supporters have criticized Arnold for his underwhelming performance in midfield Euro 2024. The proficient Liverpool left-back has been finding it difficult to changeover into the midfield.
Even though it’s a difficult transition for 25-year-old, Trent Alexander Arnold has created three chances in the 1-1 draw against Denmark. Arnold only played for 53 minutes in that game at Deutsche Bank Park. In the latest press conference, Gareth Southgate agreed to the fact that using Arnold in the midfield was indeed an “experiment’’. The English coach further stated the lack of a natural midfield in the absence of Kalvin Phillips.
Speaking to ITV, Declan Rice who played alongside Arnold in the midfield commented on the media, “It’s funny because people were calling for Trent to play in midfield. Trent is one of the best players I’ve ever seen. Don’t call for someone to play in a position and then backtrack, all because you think he’s had a bad game or something. I’ll tell you now. Trent can play in midfield, I’ve seen it. He’s unbelievable.”
What did Southgate say in defense of his decision to play Trent Alexander Arnold in the midfield?
Southgate picked Alexander-Arnold in the midfield for the first two games. Despite being subbed off in the second half in both games – a 1-0 win against Serbia and a 1-1 draw with Denmark, Rice has stern belief in Trent’s abilities. The football world is eyeing England’s upcoming game against Slovenia on Tuesday, June 25.
Football critics are also suggesting ballers like Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer attend to the midfield duties. Due to lacking form and inefficiency in attack, England’s supporters are urging for the return of Arnold to his original left-back position. Responding to the reporters, England coach Gareth Southgate stated, “We know it is an experiment and we don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips, but we’re trying some different things and at the moment we’re not flowing as we’d like, that’s for sure.”
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