England, it was widely believed, had the best crossing right back in the game. Indeed, Kieran Trippier’s deliveries were a key feature of England’s successful World Cup campaign last summer, with the 28-year-old’s rise seemingly on the rise. One year later, though, and Trippier isn’t even the best crossing right back in his own country.
That title now belongs to Trent Alexander-Arnold, the best full back England has produced since Ashley Cole. The 20-year-old’s quality has been apparent some time, holding down a place as Liverpool’s first choice right back for the best part of two seasons. But the starkest illustration of his brilliance for England came on Sunday.
Picked by Gareth Southgate for the Nations League third place play-off game against Switzerland, Alexander-Arnold showed that he isn’t just England’s best right back, but one of the players who could take the Three Lions to the next level, maybe even to their first major honour since 1966.
Gary Lineker: “Every time I see Trent Alexander-Arnold play he’s pretty much the best player on the pitch. Same again today, by a distance. What a thrilling talent. #fireodds pic.twitter.com/ZisRpPngTi
— Fireodds (@fireoddsuk) June 9, 2019
Southgate has given England a foundation to build on. Last summer’s run to the World Cup semi finals didn’t feel like the culmination of a long term project, more the start of something bigger. The current crop of young, English players is the most exciting since the emergence of the Golden Generation And yet England are still lacking something. In Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling they boast two truly world class players, genuine difference makers, but compare this to the number of superstars boasted by the likes of France and Spain. The emergence of Alexander-Arnold could take the Three Lions closer to that standard.
This is about more than just England adding another exceptional talent to their ranks, though. Full backs have never been as important as they are now in the modern game – there’s a reason Manchester City spent over £150 million on full backs in one summer two years ago. For England to have a full back as good as Alexander-Arnold could have a big impact on their outlook for the future.
23 assists between them, and 99 chances created in the Premier League. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson played the kind of attacking wing-back football that many managers crave for.
Style, technique, execution.pic.twitter.com/Jrrqykmjzg
— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) June 10, 2019
Alexander-Arnold was the most influential player on the pitch for England against Switzerland. It wasn’t just his crossing (Alexander-Arnold broke David Beckham’s record for most crosses in an England game) that provided a threat, but his running and movement down the right too. It was the performance of a distinctly modern full-back, dominating a whole wing in the same way Jordi Alba and Dani Alves have made a habit of over the past decade or so.
“Wanting to be one of the best players in the world, the best right back in the world, being the first name on the team sheet, wanting to be England captain,” Alexander Arnold rung off when asked on Sunday what he wanted for the rest of his career. This is the sort of unashamed ambition that must infuse the England team as they prepare for next year’s Euros and the 2022 World Cup after that.
Trent Alexander-Arnold https://t.co/hdjdUTNgTY
— Amanda (@_amellsjbt) June 11, 2019
It could be argued that England, as things stand, are better stocked for full backs than any other nation in the international game right now. At right back, they have Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Walker and even Aaron Wan-Bissaka, one of the breakthrough stars of the 2018/19 Premier League season. At left back, they have Ben Chilwell, Danny Rose and Luke Shaw.
Of course, there are deficiencies elsewhere in Southgate’s squad, most notably in the centre of midfield where England lack a true pace-setter, someone like Frenkie de Jong or Bernardo Silva. There are potential solutions – see Phil Foden and James Maddison to name just two – but that’s all they are right now, at least at international level – potential. Alexander-Arnold’s rapid rise shows just how quickly things can change, though.
