Declan Rice and Trent Alexander-Arnold have come under fire from Jamie Carragher for their performances in the first half of England’s Euro 2024 match against Denmark.
Rice and Alexander-Arnold were once more used in midfield, but Carragher said he thought the two were ‘far too deep’ when Denmark had the ball.
Carragher urged on John Stones and Marc Guehi, the center-backs for England, to instruct Alexander-Arnold and Rice to advance.
Carragher, a former England international, said that Rice and Alexander-Arnold were “too concerned with what’s behind them.”
“Trent & Rice are far too deep when Denmark has the ball; they are too concerned with what’s behind them,” Carragher commented on X. They must put down the object in front of them. To allow them to push out, center backs must be yelling at them to get out.
Jamie Carragher criticised England midfielder Delcan Rice for being too deep in midfield
Carragher also felt that Trent Alexander-Arnold was sitting too deep against Denmark
Carragher called for England’s centre-backs to tell the midfielders to move up the pitch
There had been much debate prior to the tournament about the decision to deploy Alexander-Arnold in midfield considering that he usually plays at right-back for Liverpool.
England boss Gareth Southgate elected to start Alexander-Arnold in midfield for the first two group games but he does have other potential options such as Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton.
Gareth Southgate elected to start Alexander-Arnold in both of England’s first two group games
Southgate claims struggle to replace Henderson and Phillip
It will be intriguing to see whether Alexander-Arnold will be able to retain his place in the starting lineup throughout England’s involvement in the tournament.
Rice is one of the most experienced players in the England squad with regards to international caps having represented his country on over 50 occasions.
Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has had to be more patient for chances but is now a key player for Southgate’s side.