Liverpool fans are split on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s so-far poor Euro 2024 campaign for England. Gareth Southgate has utilized the 25-year-old as a center-midfielder in England’s first two group-stage games, despite his preference for right-back in recent seasons.

Alexander-Arnold started in a double midfield pivot alongside Declan Rice against Serbia in the Three Lions’ first Group C win last Thursday, but was replaced after 69 minutes by Chelsea’s orthodox midfielder Conor Gallagher after an unimpressive performance.

He was given a second chance to impress against Denmark on Wednesday evening, when Southgate chose an unchanged squad for England’s second group encounter. However, his evening was more frustrating than his first game, as he was unable to make an influence on the game and his sole driving excursion forward resulted in him misplacing a key but relatively simple pass to Phil Foden.

Alexander-Arnold was pulled off even earlier, and Gallagher replaced him on 54 minutes as England drew 1–1. The early substitution appears to send a message from Southgate that his experiment with playing the Liverpool star in midfield has failed.

Alexander-Arnold was frequently spotted sliding into midfield in Jurgen Klopp’s formation, but his effect for his country has been almost non-existent. Liverpool fans went to social media to question Alexander-Arnold’s fortunes and qualifications for the role. One supporter wrote: “This isn’t me condemning TAA; he’s a world-class player, and I believe Southgate hasn’t used him effectively.

“I observed he wasn’t joining the attack, and I believe the second midfielder should be able to run from box to box. He has a terrific passing range and finds teammates really well, but it feels like he didn’t do the job he does for Liverpool, where he is practically right in the opponent’s box.”

Another fan felt that Southgate’s tactics were to blame, saying: “He isn’t made out for a double pivot, I would say. This setup, however, is extremely bad. While one-third agreed, “Southgate is misusing the majority of his creative players.”

A fourth supporter argued that Alexander-Arnold’s absence weakened England’s defence as Denmark appeared more likely to score a late winner, saying: “Trent has been off the pitch for 30 minutes by the time I’m typing this, and Denmark are smashing us. Trent is not the source of the team’s problems, hahaha.

“Those games are irrelevant. If you believe he should be moved, do it only after a pre-season at his club and a few meaningful games,” another person stated. “There’s not a single England player doing well because Southgate is the coach and he is awful at coaching.”

England’s final group game is on Tuesday against Slovenia. A draw will ensure England’s qualification for the knockout stages, but only three points will guarantee the Three Lions’ status as table toppers.