Trent Alexander-Arnold could have brought a whole new brand of creativity to England’s style of play at the ongoing UEFA European Championships, according to Manchester United icon Gary Neville.
The Liverpool star defender was sidelined for the month-long Euros owing to a thigh injury he sustained in an international friendly fixture for Gareth Southgate’s men just prior to heading into the mega event.
In Arnold’s absence, England have not been at their very best in their opening two games of the tournament out of which they have secured a narrow win and drawn the other against fierce rivals Scotland.
Neville reckons that The Three Lions camp would have benefited greatly should Arnold not have been injured with the player key to creating chances at the club level for Liverpool, something he would have replicated when in the England shirt as well, said the Sky Sports pundit.
“Kalvin Phillips isn’t as good on the ball or accepting the ball as Gilmour is, who is technically a little bit better. But I can’t see England changing. When teams come at them, it will suit them more,” said Neville on ITV.
“I’ve watched Liverpool for the the last three or four years without really any creative midfield players.
“(They had) Fabinho, Henderson and Wijnaldum but the creativity comes from the wide areas. They have found a way through their full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“The problem for England was James and Shaw didn’t deliver the creativity I thought they would. I’m concerned about Rice and Phillips.”
