25 June 2024 , 10:52
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Trent Alexander-Arnold 's spell in England 's midfield could be up – and Jurgen Klopp has already passed judgement on his potential successor.
After struggling to have much impact during the Three Lions' first two Euro 2024 fixtures, reports indicate Conor Gallagher will start against Slovenia. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice appear all but undroppable for Gareth Southgate 's side, but Alexander-Arnold - who usually plays at right-back for Liverpool - has been subject to more scrutiny.
Gallagher, 24, came on in place of the Reds star against both Serbia and Denmark earlier in the competition. By that logic, it stands to reason that Southgate is prepared to put his faith in the Chelsea man if Alexander-Arnold is rotated out of the XI on Tuesday.
And former Liverpool boss Klopp once had his say on Gallagher's quality when he was sizing up the star ahead of a Premier League run-in. It was during the playmaker's time on loan at Crystal Palace during the 2021/22 season that the German had high praise for a member of the opposition.
Klopp told reporters at the time: "So that’s incredible quality and now in midfield, [Cheikhou] Kouyate back in his position, [Conor] Gallagher – I’m not sure you can still say he’s a talent when he plays for [England] U21s, but he’s a really, really good player."
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Those remarks serve as proof Klopp felt Gallagher was already a ripe asset ready for the top-flight standard, having paid his dues being farmed out from Stamford Bridge. Fast forward to today, and the same player has spent the past two seasons as a consistent fixture in Chelsea's midfield under multiple managers.
Conor Gallagher has been tipped to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England's midfield (Boris Streubel - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)It appears Southgate is also a fan, and that's not for a lack of competition in the middle of England's engine room. Alexander-Arnold has shone as a midfielder for his country in the past, while many have called for youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton to be given their chance to start.
Gallagher made his senior England debut in 2021 and has earned 15 caps to date, though only six of those have been as part of the starting XI. Furthermore, just two of those appearances have been in competitive fixtures, meaning his experience in higher-pressure England environments - like the one in Cologne on Tuesday - is minimal.
While Alexander-Arnold may have a technical advantage over the Blues product, a more defensively minded counterweight like Gallagher could optimise the likes of Bellingham and Foden further upfield. A draw against Slovenia may be sufficient to secure top spot in Group C for England, but Southgate is in a race against time to augment England ahead of tougher tests to come in Germany.
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