Gareth Southgate: Trent gives us something different in midfield

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Gareth Southgate hailed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goalscoring performance in midfield against Malta and said the 24-year-old gives England “something different” in the position.

The Liverpool right-back scored a stunning long-range goal and produced an excellent pass to set up the opener as England cruised to a 4-0 victory which maintains their perfect start to Euro 2024 Qualifying and keeps them top of Group C.

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Alexander-Arnold has excelled in a hybrid midfield role for Liverpool in recent months but he was used as an outright midfielder against Malta, with Kieran Trippier occupying the right-back spot.

“A lot of what happens is going to be dependent on his club, because the fact he has been playing partly in there, with the ball, has helped his transition tonight,” said Southgate.

“What was pleasing tonight is that he’s getting used to receiving in tight areas with his back to goal and players behind him, whereas he is used to playing on the touchline, with the play in front of him. He was very comfortable doing that.

“He has enjoyed the project, if you like. We talked about it about four weeks ago on the phone and I think he’s been excited by it.

“He showed exactly what we think he could be capable of and he gives us something different to our other midfield players.”