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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Trent Alexander-Arnold may only have six international caps but he could be decisive for England in their upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo.
On the chalkboard
Gareth Southgate faces a selection headache in regard to which player he should pick at right-back in the next two games and although Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s withdrawal has made his choice easier, he will still have to decide between two top-class players in Kieran Trippier and Alexander-Arnold.
The latter has continued this term where he left off last season, and already has two assists to his name. At 20 and already a top-level player it is likely he could become a permanent fixture at right-back for years to come, so the sooner he builds his experience, the better.
In qualifying for major tournaments England often play against weaker opposition who put all their players behind the ball in an attempt not to concede, and that is where the width that the Liverpool man can provide will be useful.
The Champions League winner has made more successful crosses than any player in the Premier League this term, with Trippier on seven from three games in La Liga, and therefore the former is most likely to provide the key to unlock the Bulgarian and Kosovan defences.
Jordan Henderson is likely to feature in midfield, and so too could Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Such familiarity will enable the Liverpudlian to play his natural game, and England should be rewarded as a result.
Ideal for strikers
Alexander-Arnold’s crossing ability is clear for all to see. Last year he had a success rate of 34%, much higher than the average of 22% in 2017/18, and has maintained that rate this season with an impressive average of six successful crosses per match.
Added to that, he is also a very intelligent player. He knows the positions to take up and what type of cross is needed, as evidenced by his assists for Liverpool.
His corner for Divock Origi’s second goal against Barcelona is also an example of how he can think on his feet, and England may require such inspiration to break down a Bulgaria side who could be stubborn in defence.
Harry Kane scores a lot with his head and he is one target who would love playing with Alexander-Arnold, but Rashford’s ability to run in behind the defence provides an alternative for the right-back, so he offers Southgate variety in attack.
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