Tottenham Hotspur defender Kieran Trippier was badly missed.
Just to be playing at the World Cup is a terrific achievement for 19-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Liverpool ace deserved his place in England’s final 23 after a terrific breakout season for Liverpool.
He was selected for England against Belgium as Gareth Southgate rotated the team for the final group game with Belgium.
Alexander-Arnold performed solidly defensively, but his display also showed what an asset Tottenham defender Kieran Tripper is.
Trippier has been fantastic at Russia 2018 so far, creating six chances in his first game and an assist against Panama.
The Tottenham star’s set pieces and delivery from open play have been one of England’s strengths in their opening two games, and they were sorely missed against Belgium.
Alexander-Arnold attempted to take corners but did so poorly, failing to beat the first man.
This game highlighted that this is an area of the teenager’s game which needs development, and Tottenham defender Trippier is just superior in this department at present.
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