Cesc Fabregas feels Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a ‘mixed performance’ as a midfielder in England’s 1-0 win over Serbia at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions kicked off their campaign in Germany with three points thanks to Jude Bellingham’s early header, but had to battle hard as Serbia piled on the pressure in the second half.
One of the highlights of Gareth Southgate’s team selection was playing Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold in midfield — a position he has played before but a controversial pick considering the likes of Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo are in the squad as more natural picks.
Alexander-Arnold was a key part of the slick football England played during the opening half an hour of the match but, like his teammates, regressed a little as Serbia exerted their own influence on the game — also losing the ball in dangerous areas on a couple of occasions.
The 25-year-old was withdrawn in the 69th minute with 60 touches of the ball, an 88% pass completion rate, three shots attempted — including a powerful effort from distance that forced a save from Predrag Rajkovic — four out of six long passes completed and four passes into the final third.
Fabregas gives verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold performance
Speaking to BBC One as a pundit after the full-time whistle, former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas admitted Alexander-Arnold experienced high and low moments in the match, but insisted he has the ability to further adapt to the midfield role with practice.
“I thought it was a mixed performance from Trent Alexander-Arnold,” said Fabregas, who is the assistant coach of Italian side Como.
He continued: “There were moments where he was superb but other times he was a bit complacent with the ball. He made a mistake that led to a chance for Aleksandar Mitrovic but he reacted and recovered well, showed good personality. The more he plays in the midfield the better he will become.”
England continue their Group C campaign against Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday, while Serbia travel to Munich to take on Slovenia.
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