Trent Alexander-Arnold: Ready to Prove Wayne Rooney Wrong on England’s Centre Stage

In a recent piece by Jonathan Liew in The Guardian, Wayne Rooney’s comments on Trent Alexander-Arnold sparked debate. Rooney declared he “wouldn’t have Trent Alexander-Arnold anywhere near the middle of the pitch”, raising questions about the Liverpool star’s defensive capabilities and his potential role in the England team.

Rooney’s Critique: Valid or Short-Sighted?

Rooney’s criticism isn’t entirely unfounded. He highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s defensive weaknesses, stating, “I love him as a footballer and what he does on the ball. But defensively he’s all over the place. He can’t defend.” This perspective, however, seems to overlook a broader context of modern football tactics where roles are increasingly fluid.

Alexander-Arnold’s transition to midfield isn’t a novelty. Jürgen Klopp, his club manager, has experimented with this positioning, and other top international teams utilise their creative passers similarly. As Liew points out, “Virtually every serious international team recognises that you want your most creative passers where they can do most damage.”

The Evolving Role of Defenders

Modern football blurs traditional roles. Players like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Toni Kroos often operate outside their nominal positions, reflecting a tactical evolution. Full-backs today, including Alexander-Arnold, act as playmakers. During Euro 2024 qualifiers, Alexander-Arnold’s average position was higher up the pitch than his midfield counterparts, demonstrating his offensive influence.

Critics argue this could expose defensive vulnerabilities. Yet, as Liew notes, “defending is primarily a collective endeavour.” Teams like Germany and Italy understand that protection for creative players involves a coordinated team effort. England, with a midfield comprising Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, has the necessary structure to support Alexander-Arnold’s offensive contributions.

Southgate’s Tactical Dilemma

For Gareth Southgate, integrating Alexander-Arnold in midfield symbolizes tactical evolution. Southgate’s tenure has seen England adopt a more dynamic approach, and using Alexander-Arnold centrally aligns with this progressive vision. This shift reflects not only Southgate’s growth as a coach but also England’s strategic maturity.

The apprehension around Alexander-Arnold’s defensive frailties is understandable, especially given high-profile instances where he was “cooked” by elite attackers. However, this critique often ignores that other midfield candidates also lack elite defensive prowess. As Liew suggests, “Make sure they don’t” run at Alexander-Arnold by structuring the team to mitigate such scenarios.

The Bigger Picture

The debate surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s role encapsulates broader tensions within England’s tactical approach. It’s a balance between recognizing a player’s limitations and harnessing their strengths. Southgate’s willingness to experiment reflects a broader ambition for England to play more creatively and assertively on the international stage.

Rooney’s own midfield stint during Euro 2016, despite his lack of defensive experience, underscores the evolving expectations of football roles. As Liew humorously recalls, the media focus then was on “passing range and late runs into the area,” not defensive duties. This historical context highlights the changing landscape of football strategy.

In conclusion, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deployment in midfield could mark a significant tactical shift for England. By leveraging his creative abilities and ensuring robust team support, Southgate can prove that the modern game’s fluidity is its greatest asset. As England prepares for their Euro 2024 campaign, this bold move might just redefine their approach to international football.