England’s Euro 2024 Preparations and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Role
England’s Euro 2024 Squad Numbers Unveiled
As England gears up for Euro 2024, the announcement of the squad numbers has brought particular attention to one versatile Liverpool player. The Three Lions, having fallen short in their last ten European campaigns, are ready to embark on their latest quest for glory in Germany. England’s group-stage opponents include Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia, with their first match against Serbia on June 16 at the Veltins-Arena.
However, England’s pre-tournament preparations have been a mixed bag. While they secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 3, they suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley just four days later. Despite this setback, Gareth Southgate remains optimistic, promising an improved performance in their opening clash against Serbia.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Takes Centre Stage
Among the notable squad number assignments, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been given the number eight shirt, traditionally associated with midfielders. This decision hints at a possible central role for Alexander-Arnold in the upcoming tournament.
In England’s match against Bosnia, the 25-year-old right-back showcased his exceptional passing range and scored a spectacular volley, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Despite being benched for the Iceland fixture, his late-game performance on the right flank demonstrated his versatility and attacking prowess, creating three chances and nearly scoring.
The allocation of the number eight shirt suggests that Southgate might deploy Alexander-Arnold in a central role during Euro 2024. Historically, this jersey has been worn by notable midfielders like Frank Lampard, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, and Kalvin Phillips.
Trent Alexander-Arnold. England’s No.8. ✅ pic.twitter.com/uOAcRUQk61
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) June 8, 2024
Key Squad Number Assignments
Jordan Pickford’s position as England’s primary goalkeeper remains undisputed, with the Everton stopper retaining the number one shirt. Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale continues in his backup role, donning the number 13 shirt.
Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, despite his injury concerns, has been assigned the number three shirt. With Harry Maguire missing out due to fitness issues, John Stones and Marc Guéhi, who played together against Iceland, will wear the numbers five and six, respectively, indicating their likely partnership in central defence.
The competition for the right-wing spot has been intense, with Bukayo Saka securing the number seven shirt, while Cole Palmer has to settle for a different role. Phil Foden will wear the number 11, potentially hinting at a wide position for the Manchester City star. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, a key player for England, will take on the iconic number 10, playing behind England’s all-time top scorer Harry Kane, who remains the number nine.
Complete List of England’s Euro 2024 Squad Numbers
- Jordan Pickford
- Kyle Walker
- Luke Shaw
- Declan Rice
- John Stones
- Marc Guéhi
- Bukayo Saka
- Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Harry Kane
- Jude Bellingham
- Phil Foden
- Kieran Trippier
- Aaron Ramsdale
- Ezri Konsa
- Lewis Dunk
- Conor Gallagher
- Ivan Toney
- Anthony Gordon
- Ollie Watkins
- Jarrod Bowen
- Eberechi Eze
- Joe Gomez
- Dean Henderson
- Cole Palmer
- Adam Wharton
- Kobbie Mainoo
Conclusion
As Euro 2024 approaches, England’s squad selection and shirt number allocations provide intriguing insights into Gareth Southgate’s strategic plans. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s assignment to the number eight shirt particularly stands out, suggesting a potential central role for the Liverpool star. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, England aim to make a significant impact in the tournament and overcome past disappointments. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these preparations translate into performance on the European stage.
