Stuart Pearce has hailed Trent Alexander-Arnold as ‘the standout player’ after helping England beat Malta. He adored the Liverpool star’s efforts in midfield on Friday night.
The Three Lions continued their perfect start to the European Championship qualifiers with a 4-0 win. England are the only nation with a 100% record in Ground C, helped by Alexander-Arnold’s masterclass in Malta. He influenced three of their goals during his 19th cap to date.
Ferdinando Apap inadvertently gave England the lead after turning Bukayo Saka’s cross into his own net. Alexander-Arnold had freed the Arsenal forward with a delightful ball over the top. He also doubled the Three Lions’ lead with a perfectly-placed hit from outside the box.
Alexander-Arnold impressed Stuart Pearce with England
Alexander-Arnold continued to relish the freedoms of the No10 role Gareth Southgate gave the Liverpool right-back for England against Malta. The 24-year-old would display with ease his graceful passing ability having essentially been relieved of his defensive responsibilities.
Southgate freed Alexander-Arnold to play with his head up in the Three Lions’ engine room beside Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson. And his display from the right of the central trio left Pearce in awe with the England cult hero issuing a glowing verdict on the Liverpool ace.
“He’s helped it around the corner, it was a fantastic ball for Saka,” he told talkSPORT (17/6, 19:56). Pearce added (20:16): “He’s been the standout player and it’s a wonderful finish.”
Malta must emerge as just the start for Alexander-Arnold
But while Alexander-Arnold impressed Pearce against Malta, the Liverpool defender’s role in England’s win must emerge as just the start of his career in midfield. The right-back did not impress anywhere near as brightly the last time that Southgate experimented with his role.
Alexander-Arnold endured a torrid time in England’s midfield against Andorra in September 2021 the last time he played the role. Despite the Three Lions winning 4-0, the 24-year-old only lasted one half in their midfield. Southgate put him back into the defence at half-time.
Malta also did not test Alexander-Arnold enough to suggest the Liverpool star will keep his place in England’s midfield. Southgate still needs to see how the maestro copes against the elite nations. The Three Lions will not always control games as much as they did this Friday.
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