The Reds vice-captain earned rave reviews for his performance during the Three Lions’ 2-0 win over Malta, at Wembley. At international level, it’s becoming increasingly clear the motive behind Southgate’s inclusion of Alexander-Arnold with the 25-year-old playing in midfield.
Shortly before the hour-mark, both Alexander-Arnold and Rashford combined after the Reds star picked out his Manchester United rival to perfection. Rashford squandered the opportunity with play continuing, Alexander-Arnold powered through the middle to pick up a loose ball before colliding with the Red Devils attacker. The incident curtailed Rashford’s involvement in England’s latest European Championships qualifier, with their place at Germany in the summer already sealed, as he was replaced by Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
Southgate played down any injury concerns and noted that due to the nature of the collision, it was the ideal time to make the change.
“I think he’s probably okay but given the nature of the collision, it was the chance to get Cole (Palmer) into the game,” the England boss said. “I haven’t assessed too much but I think he was okay when he came off.”
Speaking to reporters prior to Friday’s game, Alexander-Arnold detailed that he had a conversation with the England boss who raised the possibility to make more appearances from the middle.
Liverpool great Jamie Carragher slams decision to send Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford off
England manager Gareth Southgate believes Marcus Rashford is ‘probably okay’ despite being taken off after a heavy collision with Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool great Jamie Carragher slams decision to send Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford off
