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England boss Gareth Southgate is considering playing Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield this summer, if he makes his final squad for Euro 2020. Alexander-Arnold, who usually plays right-back for Liverpool, has been tipped by many to play in central midfield.
And Southgate also believes that the 20-year-old has the versatility to play in that role, as well as a variety of other positions.
“You see four right-backs, I just see four good footballers,” Southgate said after the England squad was announced.
“Trippier can play right-back or left-back, Trent can play right-back, wing-back and I think he can play in centre-midfield.
“I’ve seen Reece James play right of a back three, wing-back and in centre-midfield.
“Those sorts of flexible players are hugely important.”
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“That wasn’t an easy conversation but he’s an outstanding professional who took the news the right way.”
On picking a, larger, 33-man squad, Southgate added: “I think our situation is more complicated than any other country at the moment, so we were always going to need some additional players for the first part of our camp.”
“We felt that more time would allow us to make better decisions. There are a lot of unknowns, and information and evidence is really important when you’re making decisions. We’ll have a lot more in the next seven days.
“With this squad we’ve got a nice balance with some young players who, whether they’re with us for one week or five weeks, it’s going to be a brilliant experience for them.”
Southgate also added that Harry Kane will not leave Tottenham while he is on international duty this summer, after the Spurs striker has reportedly said that wants to leave the club.
Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all rumoured to be interested in the Tottenham captain.
“What’s going on at his club is a matter for him and Tottenham,” Southgate said.
“I think it’s very unlikely that transfer deals will be done while we’re away.”
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