There’s usually apathy aplenty heading into international tournaments.
Not that Liverpool fans don’t look forward to the feast of football on display. Far from it. But when it comes to England, it’s fair to say large sections of Kopites – particularly those on Merseyside – have little care for how the Three Lions proceed.
There is a marked disconnection between Scousers and the national team, mainly due to the rejection of the monarchy and establishment.
Yet ahead of the European Championships starting in Germany, there is intrigue when it comes to England. There is perhaps a tantalising reason why those usually ambivalent may watch Gareth Southgate’s men. The prospect of watching Trent Alexander-Arnold intrigues.
Reports suggest that Liverpool’s vice-captain is set to start England’s Group C opener against Serbia on Sunday. But he’ll not be lining up at right-back where he’s almost exclusively featured during his Reds career – winning seven major trophies and becoming one of the best in the world in his position.
Instead, if the rumours are true, he will be stationed in the engine room alongside Declan Rice.
Alexander-Arnold has travelled to the Euros as a midfielder. England have Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier to serve in defence, while Anfield team-mate Joe Gomez and Aston Villa’s Enzi Konsa are makeshift options. And it seems that Alexander-Arnold is ahead of Kobbie Mainoo, Conor Gallagher and Adam Wharton in the pecking order.
A chance in midfield is something that has been clamoured for in the past few years. It’s the position Alexander-Arnold played when coming through Liverpool’s academy. It’s a role many believe he could thrive in.
For all of his qualities in the back four, his defensive capabilities have come under strict scrutiny. Moreover, his sumptuous passing prowess could be more effective in the middle of the park.
It was something Jurgen Klopp refrained from for the majority of his time as manager. Despite the constant calls, the German resisted. There, of course, was a change to Alexander-Arnold’s role in the final year of Klopp’s tenure.
He was deployed in a hybrid role, moving into midfield when the Reds were in possession. And in games when Liverpool were trailing, he was almost moved into the engine room with Gomez or Conor Bradley moving into the rearguard.
But with Arne Slot taking over in the Anfield hot seat, there have been fresh questions about whether Alexander-Arnold’s role could change. There is interest as to whether he will become a fully-fledged midfielder.
Perhaps it will depend on who Slot recruits in the summer transfer window. There have been reports that the Dutchman could raid his former club Feyenoord to sign Lutsharel Geertruida.
The 23-year-old is vice-captain at De Kuip and is regarded as the club’s best player by many. In the 2023-24 season, he recorded nine goals and five assists in 47 appearances as Feyenoord were crowned KNBV Cup champions and finished second in the Eredivisie despite a record points total. Geertruida largely served as a right-back for the Rotterdam-based outfit, but did also feature centrally and on the left-hand side.
Geertruida is expected to depart Feyenoord this summer with two years remaining on his contract. If he remains at De Kuip longer, his price tag may decrease. A fee of £25 million has been widely mooted.
Of course, Liverpool have Conor Bradley who enjoyed a fine breakthrough campaign and will be hoping for more minutes, while Gomez rejuvenated his Anfield career operated on the flanks of defence.
But should Slot spend a significant amount on Geertruida it may be a strong hint that Alexander-Arnold is set for a midfield role. An impressive Euros could well be the catalyst.
