Southgate to play Trent wildcard?

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Will Gareth Southgate finally use his Trent Alexander-Arnold wildcard? Or will he revert to tried and tested Kieran Trippier?

England face a historical derby in their final game of the world cup group stages against an underwhelming Wales team sitting at the bottom of group B.  The last time these two sides met in a major tournament was in EURO 2016 where an extra-time Daniel Sturridge winner was the difference after Gareth Bale put the dragons ahead.

In the previous round, England showed a concerning lack of creativity as they sunk to a 0-0 draw with the USA.  The frontline of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Bukayo Saka was unable to create any major chances, putting Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner under no real pressure.

Wales will look to sit deep and play on the counterattack with Nottingham Forrest’s Brennan Johnson and talisman Gareth Bale.   This is a perfect opportunity for Gareth Southgate to utilize Trent Alexander-Arnold – a young fullback who has won every club trophy possible with Liverpool – to give their forward line the service they were so desperately lacking against the USA.

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A globally recognized talent that has a passing range likened to David Beckham would undoubtedly put pressure on a fragile Welsh backline lacking pace.  Players like Harry Kane who is under pressure to score and create would hugely benefit from a player that has proven he is capable at the highest level.

Photo: Twitter @TrentAA

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Dylan Johnson