Gareth Southgate’s decision to bench Trent Alexander-Arnold in favor of Conor Gallagher for England’s final Euro 2024 group match against Slovenia has sparked controversy. Southgate highlighted Gallagher’s pressing and forward runs as key reasons for his selection, subtly criticizing Alexander-Arnold’s midfield performance.
This move raises questions since Southgate initially placed Alexander-Arnold in an unfamiliar role, only to later highlight his perceived inadequacies. The match against Slovenia ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw, with Gallagher playing until the 46rd minute before being substituted for Kobbie Mainoo and Trent replaced Trippier in the 83rd minute.
He said: “Conor presses the ball really well – his forward running is an important asset, we think he can stretch them defensively.”
Despite the poor performance, England managed to top their group, advancing to the round of 16. Southgate’s tactics and player choices continue to be scrutinized, especially given the ongoing debate about the best utilization of Alexander-Arnold’s talents within the team.
The decision to rotate players and adapt strategies will be crucial as England progresses in the tournament, with fans and analysts keenly observing Southgate’s next moves.
