‘UNIQUE AURA’: Trent Alexander-Arnold becomes England’s ‘Key Pass machine’ as Liverpool star sends ‘strong’ message to Kyle Walker in Finland clash

Alexander-Arnold played a combined total of 135 minutes at the Euros, but after being ignored by Gareth Southgate, they look set for crucial roles in Carsley’s new-look England and must be praying that he gets the job full-time.

Image

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold put in an impressive performance for England against Finland, dominating the game with his exceptional passing range and creativity. Here, he upped his game and his balls carved through Finland.

According to Opta Stats, Alexander-Arnold recorded a game-high 115 touches, attempting 94 passes and completing 82, including 18 passes into the final third.

He created five chances, more than anyone else, and was partly responsible for both goals, directly assisting Kane for the first then playing a defence-splitting curling pass towards Noni Madueke before it found its way to Kane.

Notably, Alexander-Arnold’s 5 chances marking the third time since 2019 that he has created 5+ chances in a game for England. This achievement is a testament to his unique ability to control the tempo of the game and unlock defenses.

Internationals: Salah scores, Alexander-Arnold and Gravenberch assist on  Tuesday - Liverpool FC

Even though he has found his true place in the team under Carsley, Alexander-Arnold’s creative burst for England is nothing new: this was the third occasion in which he had created five or more chances in a game for the Three Lions, with no one else having done that for the national team since his debut.

Liverpool - Landslagskoll: Trent storspelade på nytt

Image

Kyle Walker spoke of his disappointment at being left out of the England squad, but now he faces a real battle to get back in. Alexander-Arnold offers so much more than him in attack and is nine years his junior.

Walker enjoyed Southgate’s trust due to the protection he offered defensively, but his skillset seem less valued by Carsley, who is far more willing to take the handbrake off than his predecessor.

Carsley insisted that Walker was only left out because he had played so little for Manchester City so far this season, but his absence from the England team could become permanent even if he resumes his usual role for his club.

And Alexander-Arnold isn’t Walker’s only concern, as Rico Lewis, who has usurped him in the City team at the start of the season, put in an impressive shift on the other flank. The 19-year-old would be a suitable stand-in on the right of the defence should his Liverpool counterpart ever get injured.