Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Left-Back Dilemma: A Tactical Oversight?
The ongoing debate about how to best utilise Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to confound many, especially following his recent performance for England in an unconventional left-back role against Finland. Dave Hendrick, speaking on Anfield Index’s ‘Daily Red Podcast’, summed up the thoughts of many when he remarked, “Trent played left-back in that game, which was something.” It was indeed something, but the big question remains: what are we doing here?
Trent Alexander-Arnold: World’s Best Right-Back?
Let’s be clear—Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, right-backs in world football today. Hendrick acknowledges this, noting, “He played well, there’s no question about that. He scored himself a worldie of a free-kick but what are we doing here? How is he playing left-back? He’s the best right-back in the world!”
Alexander-Arnold’s qualities are undeniable: his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate play from deep make him a generational talent. But as Hendrick rightly points out, why shift the world’s best right-back to the opposite flank simply to accommodate other players? The decision to play Trent on the left, as many suspect, appears to be a tactical compromise designed not to upset the balance of the squad—particularly with Kyle Walker at right-back.
It’s hard to ignore Hendrick’s critique: “But, in order to not offend Kyle Walker, he has to play left-back.” This does pose a valid question about England’s tactical decisions. Is accommodating Walker really worth taking Alexander-Arnold out of the position where he excels most?
The Left-Back Problem for England
The bigger issue at hand is England’s persistent struggle with left-back depth. Luke Shaw, when fit, is arguably the first-choice option, but his frequent injury issues make him an unreliable long-term solution. As Hendrick observes, “Luke Shaw is obviously their first choice, but he’s always injured. Ben Chilwell is also always injured and too inconsistent.”
Shaw and Chilwell’s inconsistency and injury records have forced England to explore alternatives, and in this context, Alexander-Arnold seems to be the latest experiment. However, shoehorning a right-back—especially one of Alexander-Arnold’s calibre—into a left-back role feels more like a short-term fix rather than a long-term solution.
Hendrick also touched upon another emerging name, Lewis Hall, saying, “Lewis Hall doesn’t play regularly for Newcastle United yet, but I do think that he will be England’s left-back.” Hall is undoubtedly a bright prospect, but as Hendrick suggests, he’s yet to cement his place at Newcastle. Relying on potential rather than proven ability doesn’t address England’s pressing need for a stable left-back solution.
Why Alexander-Arnold Deserves His Right-Back Spot
Playing Trent on the left is akin to asking a world-class violinist to play the piano—it’s not that he can’t do it, it’s that his exceptional talents are better utilised elsewhere. As Hendrick accurately states, Alexander-Arnold played well and even scored a magnificent free-kick in the game against Finland. But the point isn’t about whether he can play left-back—it’s about whether he should.
England’s tactical approach, has often leaned towards conservatism, favouring solid defensive units over attacking fluidity. This approach may explain the reluctance to remove Walker from the side. Yet, the idea of pushing Alexander-Arnold to the left just to maintain this structure seems like a misjudgement. His influence from right-back, where he can deliver pinpoint crosses and long-range passes, is precisely what makes him such a weapon for both club and country.
What Does the Future Hold for Trent in England Colours?
Hendrick’s commentary raises valid concerns about England’s management of its best talent. The question of how to balance the team without compromising its strongest assets should be at the forefront of Southgate’s mind. Playing Trent Alexander-Arnold at left-back feels like a decision made out of necessity rather than choice. England need a reliable, natural left-back, and until they find one, their tactical balance will continue to feel slightly off-kilter.
In the end, Hendrick sums it up perfectly: “Trent playing left-back is a stop-gap at best. It’s not where he should be. England are essentially making him less of a player to fix a problem elsewhere.” For a nation aiming for international success, diminishing one of your best talents seems counterproductive.
So, what’s the solution? Carsley may need to rethink his reliance on Kyle Walker and prioritise getting the best out of Alexander-Arnold in his preferred role. England have the potential to develop a solid left-back in time—whether it’s Lewis Hall or someone else—but until then, sacrificing Trent’s effectiveness shouldn’t be the answer.
