England’s Midfield Conundrum: Southgate’s Gamble Leaves Questions Unanswered

England’s quest for the perfect midfield balance continues to vex manager Gareth Southgate as his bold tactical experiment in the European Championship opener against Serbia yielded mixed results.

On Sunday, Southgate opted for a surprising move by pairing Liverpool’s right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, with midfield stalwart Declan Rice in the heart of England’s lineup. This unorthodox choice was a deviation from Southgate’s typically conservative approach, and it quickly became the focal point for media scrutiny.

While Alexander-Arnold’s shift from his usual defensive role to a central midfield position brought a level of intrigue, his performance on the pitch was met with a cautious reception. The match, which ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for England, highlighted both the potential and pitfalls of this tactical shake-up.

Positives Amid Uncertainty

Alexander-Arnold showcased his renowned vision and passing range, delivering a few notable long balls that energized England’s attack. Early in the second half, he executed a stunning pass to Bukayo Saka on the right flank. His quick thinking also spurred a key interception that led to an attack with Kyle Walker narrowly missing the target.

Despite these flashes of brilliance, Alexander-Arnold’s overall impact was inconsistent. He struggled with possession at times, notably giving the ball away twice in his own half, which nearly allowed Serbia to capitalize. A particularly errant long pass to Harry Kane in the second half underscored the growing disquiet as Serbia pressed forward.

Defensive Doubts and Strategic Woes

Positioning became a significant issue as the match wore on, with Alexander-Arnold frequently found too deep, contributing to England’s retreat under Serbia’s pressure. This midfield pairing with Rice appeared disjointed, raising concerns about its viability against stronger European opponents.

England’s vulnerabilities against elite teams have been starkly exposed in recent years. Southgate’s side has faltered in critical matches, such as the World Cup semi-final against Croatia in 2018, the Euro 2020 final against Italy, and the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against France. Each of these fixtures underscored the need for a robust and cohesive midfield—a need that remains unfulfilled.

Future Selections and Alternatives

As England prepares for their next group stage match against Denmark, the question of midfield composition looms large. Conor Gallagher, who replaced Alexander-Arnold in the 69th minute, might be considered for a starting role. Other candidates like Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton are also in contention to partner with Rice, whose position is assured as a cornerstone of the team.

The debate over Alexander-Arnold’s suitability for a midfield role is far from settled. Former England captain Wayne Rooney, in a recent podcast episode of “The Overlap,” cautioned against the move, citing Alexander-Arnold’s defensive frailties. “He can’t defend. I wouldn’t have him anywhere near the middle of the pitch,” Rooney remarked pointedly.

Echoing this sentiment, pundit Roy Keane predicted that Alexander-Arnold would be “found out” if played in midfield against Europe’s elite teams.

Sunday’s match against Serbia has yet to provide a conclusive answer to Southgate’s midfield dilemma. As the tournament progresses, Southgate will need to weigh his options carefully to address what remains a persistent and pressing concern for the England squad.