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England fans give their verdict on Alexander-Arnold at left back

England fans are split in their opinions of Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance in an unconventional role as the Three Lions faced Finland in Helsinki.

Despite England slumping to a disappointing defeat against Greece with a much-changed system in midweek, Lee Carsley was once again bold in his selections for Sunday's Nations League clash.

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was handed just his second senior cap for the Three Lions and his first since 2020, while Alexander-Arnold was deployed at left back.

The 26-year-old has never played in the position for club or country, with the selection marking the latest attempt to get the most out of the Liverpool star at international level.

At Euro 2024 Gareth Southgate attempted to utilise Alexander-Arnold's playmaking skills in midfield for England's opening two games of the competition.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was deployed at left-back for England's clash with Finland

Lee Carsley started the Liverpool defender on the left for the first time in his senior career

The surprise selection follows Gareth Southgate's attempt to integrate Alexander-Arnold into midfield at Euro 2024

However, the experiment ultimately proved unsuccessful and he was limited to just two further cameo appearances off the bench as England suffered heartbreak against Spain in the final.

Speaking on Alexander-Arnold's latest redeployment prior to the game, Roy Keane appeared unimpressed. 

He said on ITV: 'If you saw him the other night defending it looked like he'd never played right-back before.'

Keane's view wasn't shared by all England fans on social media, however, with many praising his performance as England went into half-time with a 1-0 lead at the Olympic Stadium.

One wrote: 'Better performance so far from England. Some lovely passing between Grealish, Trent, Gomes and Bellingham'

Another added: 'Trent’s first game at LB is intriguing me more than that nonsense midfield experiment, I’d like to let this one land lowkey.'

Some supporters on social media were impressed with his performance on the left-flank

A third fan agreed: 'Trent Jude and Grealish down this left side is something else.'

However, other supporters insisted Alexander-Arnold's defensive vulnerabilities make him an unsuitable fit with one remarking: 'Trent lb is not working.'

Another fan wrote: 'Trent is so over-rated, looks completely lost when defending.'

A third added: 'Anyone else annoyed by how poor Trent AA is in REALITY compared to the fawning coverage and opportunities he gets.'

Alexander-Arnold's ability to influence games in the final third was immediately apparent as England looked to get back on track.

His pass in the 18th minute found Angel Gomes who brilliantly played in Jack Grealish to fire England into the lead.

Others insisted Alexander-Arnold's defensive vulnerabilities could leave England exposed

Roy Keane added the Liverpool star had flattered to deceive in England's loss to Greece

The Liverpool star continued to impress in the second-half as he doubled England's lead with a inch-perfect free-kick to notch his fourth international goal since being handed his debut in 2018.

Declan Rice then made it three for the Three Lions with a tap-in from close range in the closing stages.

The hosts managed to secure a consolation, however, with some poor England defending allowing Arttu Hoskonen to head home at the near post from a corner.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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