‘Don’t like to see it’: Sky pundit thinks Liverpool star’s being misused by his country

Follow us on Google Discover

Ashley Cole has said during Sky Sports live international football coverage that he doesn’t like seeing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold deployed as a right wing-back for England.

Alexander-Arnold started for the Three Lions in their 2-1 victory over Belgium last night, but the Liverpool defender, perhaps, wasn’t as effective in an attacking sense as he often is at club level.

Alexander-Arnold’s famed crossing ability never really came to the fore during the contest.

And Cole feels that the Liverpool defender is limited by Gareth Southgate’s tactics, as his skill set isn’t suited to playing in a five man defence.

“If I’m totally honest I don’t like to see Trent as a wing-back,” Cole said.

“I think he’s better playing from a bit deeper and arriving into areas.

“I feel coming into that space you start to see that range of crossing and passes.

“But when he’s already in that position, you see tonight, he did most of his work chasing the left-back who’s already in behind him and I don’t think that suits him.”

Alexander-Arnold actually faces fierce competition for his spot in England’s team, as Southgate has so many other options in the position.

Kyle Walker, Reece James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kieran Trippier all could potentially play in the same slot as Alexander-Arnold, so he will be under pressure to perform if he wants to keep his place.

The Liverpool full-back could make one more appearance for the Three Lions before the end of the international break.

England are set to take on Denmark on Wednesday, it will be intriguing to see if Southgate keeps faith in the Liverpool man.