Gary Lineker has hit out at Gareth Southgate for 'holding Trent Alexander-Arnold out', with the BBC Match of the Day host expressing his sympathy for the Liverpool star over his 'experiment' in midfield.
Southgate has opted to play the Reds defender in a ahead place alongside Declan Rice in England's opening two Euro 2024 matches – a tactical transfer that has drawn widespread criticism.
Though Alexander-Arnold was statistically England's most artistic midfielder throughout the 1-1 draw towards Denmark, the 25-year-old's midfield experimentation has sparked loads of criticism, with Roy Keane claiming the Liverpool defender is 'not suited to taking part in in midfield'.
Whereas the Three Lions have already certified for the knockout phases, The Athletic's report claims Alexander-Arnold 'could possibly be referred to as as much as exchange Conor Gallagher' for England's remaining group-stage conflict towards Slovenia on Tuesday.
“I'm a bit fearful for Trent Alexander-Arnold,” the BBC Match of the Day pundit mentioned. BBC's Euros Extra show on Monday.
Gary Lineker (pictured) has claimed Gareth Southgate has 'dumped Trent Alexander-Arnold out'
The England boss (left) has opted to play the Liverpool star (proper) in midfield throughout England's opening Euro 2024 fixtures
Southgate (centre) is ready to interchange Alexander-Arnold with Conor Gallagher for Tuesday night time's match towards Slovenia
'It's very robust to play in a brand new place, even when the group is taking part in nicely.
'However when a group is struggling and the group is scattered, not united and never performing nicely on the sphere, then it turns into very troublesome.
'I really feel sorry for him as a result of he's an extremely proficient participant.'
Query marks have been raised over Southgate's ways to this point throughout England's Euro 2024 marketing campaign, with Alexander-Arnold approaching as an alternative in each of England's matches towards Serbia and Denmark.
Though the Liverpool star performed in a extra superior position beneath Jurgen Klopp final season, Wayne Rooney says Koby Manu and Adam Wharton could be higher choices for Southgate in midfield.
“Sure, I’ve been fairly important of Trent,” the previous Manchester United and Everton striker admitted.
Alexander-Arnold (left) was England's most artistic defender towards Denmark
However the Liverpool star has been changed by Conor Gallagher (centre) for each of England's opening Euro 2024 video games
'I like Trent as a full-back or a right-back who comes on on the proper time, however I feel taking part in him in the midst of the sphere in worldwide soccer could be very completely different to taking part in as a full-back.
'I've mentioned many instances I don't play him there. However he's sensible. [Southgate] get [Kobbie] Mainu, he has it [Adam] Wharton.
'For me, I play Jude [Bellingham] subsequent to the center [Declan] rice and also you get your width [Anthony] Gordon and [Phil] Toes.'
Lineker's feedback got here after a BBC Match of the Day pundit responded sarcastically to criticism of his evaluation of England's efficiency at Euro 2024.
“If Albania fail to win tonight, England will formally be by to the final 16,” Lineker mentioned throughout BBC's protection of the draw within the final match between Italy and Croatia.
'As a result of even when they lose tomorrow they’ll go ahead as among the best third-placed groups. I want folks would cease criticising them a lot.'
Harry Kane hits out at Gary Lineker and criticises 'podcast folks' who’re making an attempt to 'promote their very own channels'
The 63-year-old had described his efficiency towards Denmark as 'garbage' on The Relaxation is Soccer podcast after he informed Harry Kane to 'do rather a lot higher', after which the Bayern Munich star hit again on the broadcaster throughout a press convention.
“I’d by no means need to be disrespectful to any participant, particularly one who has worn the jersey and is aware of what it's prefer to play for England,” Kane mentioned.
'However ex-players, or ex-players who are actually pundits, have to grasp that it's very exhausting to not hear it anymore, particularly for gamers who aren't used to it or for some gamers who’re new to this setting.
'I all the time really feel he has a duty. I do know he must be trustworthy and provides his opinion, however on the identical time he additionally has a duty as a former England participant who plenty of gamers respect, folks hearken to him and other people care about what he has to say.
'The underside line is we haven't gained something as a nation for a really very long time and plenty of these gamers have been a part of that and so they understand how robust it’s, so we're not ruling anyone out.
Lineker calls England's efficiency towards Denmark 'garbage' on The Relaxation is Soccer podcast
'The truth is that they comprehend it's robust to play in these main tournaments and it's robust to play for England.
'I’d by no means disrespect any former participant. I’d simply say keep in mind what it was prefer to put on the shirt and be listened to. A number of the boys, I don't know what number of, however we hearken to them.'
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