Trent Alexander-Arnold is ready to play a big role for England as he eyes pushing his way into Gareth Southgate’s team for Euro 2024.
The Liverpool full-back is now a fully fledged midfielder for the Three Lions. Now he is keen to use the final qualifiers for the summer tournament against Malta and North Macedonia to show he can star in the starting XI.
Alexander-Arnold, 25, impressed against both countries in England’s wins over them in the summer but now is hoping to do it again. He said: "These are huge opportunities – just like the summer, just like when I’m given any time on the pitch, given that platform for me to perform.
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"There’s a chance for me to go and earn a starting spot at the Euros. That is where my head is at when I’m turning up to camp. It is full focus to go and achieve that. That is what I want to go out and do. I want to start those games at the Euros and be someone who can help win silverware for the country."
Alexander-Arnold revealed a chat with England boss Gareth Southgate before those clashes with Malta and North Macedonia back in June changed his outlook on international football. The England boss made it clear the position he saw him playing for his country. It led to a performance in the win over Malta which Alexander-Arnold considers his best for his country.
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"I would say the Malta game was my best performance in an England shirt," he said. It was one that I felt going into it that I had confidence. It was a big opportunity for me. I knew I needed to perform and I wanted to perform.
"I had spoken to the manager prior to the game leading up to that camp specifically about an opportunity and he explained to me there could be a potential opportunity in midfield going forward for me. When I heard those words, it ignited something within me. There was a chance for me to go out there and take it and I think that’s what I did. Hopefully I’ll be able to build on that."
Now Alexander-Arnold sees a future with England. There were times when he was left out of squads or injuries scuppered his chances when it may have been something that could pass him by. The Liverpool man is vice-captain for his club and has similar ambitions of being a leader for his country. And working alongside Jordan Henderson, Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and James Milner has given him the necessary tools.
"I felt at club level, I was part of a leadership group that consisted of Hendo, Millie, Virgil, Alisson, Robbo," he said.
"A lot of them have captained their country and become captains of their respective nations.
"I’m used to being around leaders. I’m used to learning from them, I enjoy being around them, I enjoy learning. I enjoy picking things up and seeing how people lead in different ways and how they are able to motivate and control the changing room.
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"I think it’s something I learned from a young age. I’m a player who relishes responsibility. To be responsible for the result and success of club and country is something I see is on me. I enjoy that. That kind of responsibility is something that will always bring the best out of me. I do have high ambitions, massive ambitions, for club and country.
"Being in a leadership role and being a leader within both set-ups is something I’ve always dreamed of. I do also believe that dreams do come true if you work hard enough for them. That’s where my head is at right now, is going to achieve what I believe is possible."
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