The Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander Arnold could barely walk off the pitch after the injury, which raised concerns over his availability for the upcoming UEFA European Championship 2020. It has since been announced that Alexander-Arnold will not be able to take part in the competition.
While England have a big list of players in his position, Alexander-Arnold’s omission from the team will certainly be a big blow for the Three Lions. Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips has revealed the talk in the dressing room following the incident.
“Everybody in the changing room, all the lads are gutted for him. All we can do is wish him well and wish him a speedy recovery.
I do hope that Trent takes it well and, hopefully, he can start pre-season well and just get a good season under his belt then be involved in the next camp,”
said Phillips, while speaking to TalkSPORT.
On being asked about whether there has been any direct communication with the player, Phillips stated:
“It was just more of ‘how it’s feeling?’, ‘What do you think it is?’ I (have) never seen him after it got announced that he was leaving. Of course, (I’ve) sent a few messages to him through the chat.”
Who will replace Alexander-Arnold?
Gareth Southgate has not named the replacement yet, and that decision will be made only after England’s final friendly game ahead of the Euro, which will take place today against Romania.
Given their long list of defenders, many are predicting Southgate to not opt for a like-for-like replacement and call up an attacking option instead. Jesse Lingard is one such option Southgate can include in his squad.
The Manchester United attacker had a fantastic season on loan at West Ham United. He scored nine goals in just 16 Premier League games, which marked his best return in a single Premier League season.
Besides him, James Ward-Prowse is another option Southgate might consider. The Southampton midfielder made 2,434 passes in the recently-concluded Premier League season, which happens to be the most by any English player.
