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Manager makes huge decision regarding Liverpool hero at Euro 2024

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Liverpool hero Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be dropped from England’s starting lineup to face Slovenia, according to a new update.

The 25-year-old is arguably one of the most talked-about footballers in the country currently, with few individuals posssessing more natural ability.

Alexander-Arnold still has his detractors, however, with some criticial of his defensive work, and Gareth Southgate has rarely trusted him consistently in an England shirt.

Liverpool’s vice-captain did start the Three Lions’ opening two games against Serbia and Denmark, however, being used as a midfielder but struggling to have a major influence.

Alexander-Arnold was replaced by Conor Gallagher in both matches, leading to suggestions that he would lose his place to the Chelsea man, and now it appears as though a place on the substitutes’ bench is coming his way.

According to a new update from The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, the Liverpool hero will be replaced by Gallagher against Slovenia on Tuesday night, with Southgate seemingly seeing enough:

“England manager Gareth Southgate is set to make a change to his midfield for Tuesday’s final group game at Euro 2024 by bringing in Conor Gallagher for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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“Normally deployed at right-back for Liverpool,  Alexander-Arnold was utilised in an unfamiliar role alongside Declan Rice against Serbia and Denmark  – an idea that has divided opinion.”

Our thoughts on Alexander-Arnold being dropped for England…

There is something painfully predictable about Alexander-Arnold being used as the scapegoat by Southgate, with the England boss arguably never quite fully trusting him as a footballer.

That says a lot more about the manager than the player, however, and the Liverpool man has still created an average of 2.5 chances per 90 minutes for his country about over the past 18 months, according to football data editor Michael Reid on X.

That is more than any other England player during that period, which highlights what a creative force he is, and why he is being unfairly blamed for the Three Lions’ poor form.

Ultimately, Southgate is never going to get the best out of Alexander-Arnold if he uses him incorrectly, failing to utilise his key attributes, and he will hopefully be appreciated far more by new Reds boss Arne Slot upon his return in pre-season, as was the case with Jurgen Klopp.

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