- England begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday night
- Southgate must decide who he will play alongside Rice and Bellingham in midfield
- Listen to It’s all starting! Trent? Gallagher? Mainoo? Who deserves a place in England’s midfield at Euro 2024?
Wayne Rooney has expressed reservations about Gareth Southgate’s potential partner for Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in England’s midfield against Serbia.
The Three Lions kick off their Euro 2024 campaign at the Veltins Arena on Sunday afternoon as they bid to clinch the second trophy in the nation’s history.
Aside from concerns about England’s defence, Southgate’s biggest decision for the match will be deciding which player will start alongside Rice and Bellingham.
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher impressed in the 3-0 win over Bosnia last week, while youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton have made a strong case for starts throughout their seasons.
However, Southgate appears to be leaning towards Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold. And although Rooney believes his fellow Scouser may be the most talented player on the ball in the team, the Man United legend still doesn’t trust him when out of possession.
Wayne Rooney insisted he loves Trent Alexander-Arnold but still doesn’t trust him defensively
Alexander-Arnold could earn a starting spot for Sunday’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia
England manager Gareth Southgate is keen to harness the talents of Liverpool’s stars on the ball.
‘I think he (Southgate) will go with Trent. I think he’s probably the most talented player we have with the ball at his feet,” Rooney said in The Overlap’s Euro fan debate, presented by Sky Bet.
‘Defensively he is all over the place. I wouldn’t have it near the middle of the field.
“The truth is that I love Trent. With the ball, the things he can do, no one else can do.
Earlier this week, Mail Sport reported that the England manager was seriously considering starting Alexander-Arnold in the Euro 2024 opener.
The head coach has explored the idea of deploying Anfield’s vice-captain, who plays as his club’s right-back, in central midfield for the past 12 months as he searches for a playing partner for Rice.
The 25-year-old has been handed the number 8 shirt for the tournament, which could be a hint of what looks like a starring role in Germany.
Southgate is keen to utilize his players during the tournament as he faces a number of fitness issues and has options in midfield.