Trent Alexander-Arnold was deployed in an unfamiliar position as left-back in England’s conflict with Finland, shining as he scored a free-kick in a 3-1 victory.
Having lastly appeared to have settled in his pure place at right-back for his nation, Alexander-Arnold was required to shift over to left-back on Sunday night.
It got here with interim head coach Lee Carsley in need of specialist choices on the left flank, although he burdened earlier than kickoff that it will be removed from an orthodox position for the Liverpool playmaker.
As a substitute, Alexander-Arnold typically discovered himself inverting into midfield, which allowed him to dictate play as he drifted inside onto his proper foot.
His proper foot made the distinction halfway via the second half when, after Jude Bellingham was introduced down exterior the field, he stepped as much as bend an ideal free-kick into the highest nook.
It was Alexander-Arnold’s fourth aim for England and it capped an excellent show on an evening that additionally noticed Jack Grealish and Declan Rice rating.
No participant had extra touches of the ball than Alexander-Arnold (130), in keeping with FotMob, with the 26-year-old additionally finishing the third-most passes (95 of 110) and the second-most lengthy passes (six of 10).
Unsurprisingly, he was named Man of the Match – which is turning into a typical prevalence when he places on an England shirt, regardless of his status.
“I feel Trent’s high quality speaks for itself,” Carsley instructed ITV after the sport.
“I don’t see it as I discovered a spot for him, he’s greater than earned his place.
“We do get slowed down with left-back, right-back, the place’s his place, however so long as he’s in efficient positions he’s nice to have.
“It’s necessary that we’ve bought gamers with that high quality and play to their strengths, and we undoubtedly do this with Trent.”
Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to proceed to take action underneath Carsley not less than, with the previous Everton midfielder seemingly ruling himself out of the operating for the everlasting job.
“I feel individuals are at all times going to attempt to put their chips on one facet,” he stated when requested about studies he didn’t need the place.
“I’m completely within the center. My bosses have made it completely clear what they want from me.
“This job deserves a world-class coach that’s gained trophies and been there and achieved it. I’m nonetheless on the trail to doing that.”
