Gareth Southgate Hails Trent Alexander-Arnold Despite Lacklustre England Performance

Gareth Southgate was full of praise for Liverpool defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite England’s underwhelming display against Malta.

England vs Malta Match Report

• England started the match strongly and took the lead in the eighth minute, as Phil Foden’s cross ricocheted off Enrico Pepe and into the Maltese net.
• Malta proved to be worthy advisories for the majority of the first half, limiting England no shots on target in the opening 45 minutes.
• The teams went into the break all-square, as supporters remained frustrated with the lacklustre performance from the Three Lions.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold registered England’s first shot on target but failed to trouble the Maltese goalkeeper.
• Harry Kane extended England’s lead to two moments later following some intricate passing from Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker.
• Declan Rice made it three, however, Harry Kane was deemed to be blocking the goalkeepers view from an offside position – meaning VAR ruled the goal out.
• England eased to the final whistle and ended the match as 2-0 victors – despite the underwhelming performance.

Gareth Southgate Hails Trent Alexander Arnold Performance

The Liverpool defender has been utilised in the midfield for England over the last few matches, as Gareth Southgate assesses his options in the lead up to the Euros.

England were not up to their usual standard against Malta, which Southgate was quick to point out in his post-match interview.

Southgate said: “It was a game when we didn’t start well and if you don’t start well it’s hard to pick the game up. We got a goal out of nothing really,

“But the quality on the ball is not normally at that level and it was a game where the players knew they could win at a canter and didn’t extend themselves.

Despite this poor showing, the England manager was full of praise for Trent Alexander-Arnold and claimed he was one of two players that looked like creating.

The England manager said: “He has got outstanding quality. He and Phil Foden were the two in the first half that looked like opening the game up for us.”