The 25-year-old has endured a difficult tournament after being dropped from the starting XI during the Group Stage, but battled back to deliver England’s best moment in Germany so far this summer.
Now, Luke Shaw has shared what he noticed about Trent Alexander-Arnold before the Liverpool academy graduate stepped up against Switzerland…
What Luke Shaw said about Trent Alexander-Arnold
Given the narrative around Alexander-Arnold heading into the penalty shootout, there was arguably even more pressure on his shoulders.
As aforesaid, the man from West Derby was dropped by Gareth Southgate after just two matches in Group C – with many critical of his performances in central midfield.
Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold stepped up confidently to smash England into the last four, and the outcome was never in doubt as far as Shaw is concerned.
The Manchester United No.23 told the Lions’ Den: “To be fair, I was next to him the whole time, so I was really confident, to be honest. I think he seemed really relaxed, calm.”
DUSSELDORF, Dusseldorf Arena ,06-07-2024 , European Football Championship Euro2024, round of 8 match no.48 between England and Switzerland, (L-R) E...
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With Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Fabinho often on the scene at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has never had to take a penalty for the Reds, which makes his composure against Switzerland even more impressive.
In fact, the Liverpudlian has only ever taken four penalties in his career – according to Transfermarkt – which all came at U19 level for England.
Gareth Southgate has to start Liverpool No.66 for England
Putting his unerring penalty aside for a moment, Southgate should be starting Alexander-Arnold ahead of Kieran Trippier regardless.
The Newcastle No.2 has looked incredibly awkward playing out on the left, where he keeps having to cut inside to play the ball backwards, or harmlessly sideways.
DUSSELDORF - (l-r) England coach Gareth Southgate, Trent Alexander-Arnold of England during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between England ...
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
If Southgate is deliberately going for an inverted option to deliver in-swinging crosses, there are few better technicians in Europe than Alexander-Arnold, who we believe could easily do a better job than Trippier, not the mention the added athleticism he brings at eight years younger.
It would be a huge call to make the switch for a European semi-final, although we believe it is the right decision, and should have happened ages ago.
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