‘I wouldn’t start him’ - Former Newcastle United manager singles out England problem

Alan Pardew believes Trent Alexander-Arnold should not start for England in midfield at Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate named the Liverpool star alongside Declan Rice at the base of England’s engine room against Serbia. The move was anticipated, with Alexander-Arnold being given the No.8 shirt ahead of the tournament.

Choosing where to play the 25-year-old has proven one of Southgate’s biggest conundrums in the hot seat. In previous tournaments, Alexander-Arnold has been shunned due to his perceived defensive frailties.

England are now experimenting with him in a midfield role - where he played versus Serbia last night. The decision resulted in mixed results, with Alexander-Arnold having several eye-catching moments - namely a shot from distance - but lacked discipline alongside Rice.

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Newcastle manager Pardew praised the bold move but, ultimately, would not do the same if he were calling the shots. He said: “England did the job but there were some stuff in that game that was a bit concerning. Not just individually but tactically as well. I thought that (Alexander-Arnold in midfield) was a positive move from Gareth. 

“He (Southgate) is a more conservative thinker. But his performance wasn’t great. When he’s got his back to goal, that’s not natural for him. That glaring error after 25 minutes, Mitrovic should’ve scored. 

“That’s where he worries me a little bit. When we come up against tougher opposition, whether he can cope and take the ball in those areas. That’s why, for me, I wouldn’t start him.

“But he’s a lovely option to have off the bench because of his delivery and quality. Even at right-back, if we are dominating games, we can rest Walker and let him deliver these superb passes.”