Former Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole has voiced his criticism of Gareth Southgate’s decision to play Trent Alexander Arnold in the wing-back role for the Three Lions in the ongoing UEFA Nations League fixtures, the Goal reports.
Arnold started England’s recent 2-1 win over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League, a game which was won by Southgate’s side thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount, however, the Liverpool FC star was slotted in a highly unusual role of wing-back, a position that the 22-year old has never really played in for the Anfield giants.
Cole expressed regrets over the England manager’s decision to play Arnold in unfamiliar territory, which did not allow the full-back to contribute towards the overall effort of the game with his superb passing range and the ability to switch the field of play.
“I don’t like to see him playing as a wing-back,” Cole said about Arnold’s role for the Three Lions. “He’s better-suited playing from deeper and arriving into areas.
“With [Alexander-Arnold] coming into that space, you start to see his range of crosses and passing. He did most of his work chasing the left wing-back, trying to get in behind him, which I don’t think suits him.”
The Scouser was one of the many stars of Jurgen Klopp’s side that were on the lower spectrum of their showings in Liverpool FC’s embarrassing outing at Villa Park from nearly a fortnight ago, and will surely be hoping to hit top gear for Saturday’s Merseyside derby clash at Goodison Park.
