Gareth Southgate, the England football team manager, is facing criticism over his handling of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance in midfield. The issue has been raised by several fans and pundits alike, with some arguing that the player may not be a natural fit for the role.
BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has weighed in on the matter, acknowledging that Trent’s position in midfield has put him in a difficult spot. He believes that while the player may have struggled with movement and running into space, it is ultimately the responsibility of the manager to address these issues before they become a problem.
McNulty emphasizes that major tournaments are not the time for experimentation and that Southgate should have worked out any issues with Trent before Euro 2024 began. He believes that any experiments that are not working need to be ended quickly, especially in high-stakes situations. This suggests that he feels Southgate should have done more preparation and testing before the tournament began.
Overall, McNulty’s response highlights the importance of careful planning and preparation in international football competitions. While it is important to try new things and take risks, managers must also be prepared to make tough decisions and adapt their strategies when necessary. As England prepares for its final Euro 2024 group match against Slovenia on Tuesday, it will be interesting to see how Southgate responds to this criticism and whether he can find a solution to Trent’s struggles in midfield.