Euro 2024: Wayne Rooney Issues Alexander Arnold Warning to Gareth Southgate

• England head coach Gareth Southgate is reportedly considering deploying Trent Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder
• The Liverpool vice-captain's lack of defensive instincts has been exposed while playing in his primary role as a right-back
• Ex-international Wayne Rooney has some advice for the Three Lions coach about the experiment ahead of Euro 2024

Former England international Wayne Rooney has shared his perspective on Gareth Southgate's plan to deploy Trent Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder.

England will kick off their 2024 European Championship campaign on Sunday, June 16, 2024, with an opening game against Serbia, followed by a match against Denmark and a final group game against Slovenia.

The Three Lions released their squad number days ago, and fans claimed it gave a hint of the starting 11 in the opening game, as they were handed numbers 1-11.

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Liverpool star Arnold was handed the number eight jersey, and Sky Sports reported that he could start in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

Rooney sends warning to Southgate

Plymouth Argyle manager Rooney has warned Southgate as he plans to deploy the Liverpool star in midfield to utilise his passing range and cover his defensive lapses.

“I think he'll (Southgate) go with Trent. I think he's probably the most gifted player with the ball at his feet we've got,” he said via Daily Star.

“Defensively, he's all over the place. He can't defend. I wouldn't have him anywhere near the middle of the pitch. And I love Trent.”

Arnold may settle for a place on the bench if he doesn't start in midfield, as Kyle Walker appears to be a nailed-on starter at right-back.

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The manager has been urged to deploy one of the youngsters, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton, to provide cover or take control of the midfield at the tournament.

Key players for England at Euro 2024

Sports Brief previously analysed six key players for England at Euro 2024 after Joey Barton hit out at the players but singled one out because of their dressing in training.

Barton was impressed with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and named him the most important player for the Three Lions at the tournament in Germany.