Alexander-Arnold's Midfield Mastery For England Lauded By Bowen At Euro 2024

Jarrod Bowen has expressed confidence in Trent Alexander-Arnold's ability to excel in England's midfield, following the Liverpool vice-captain's performances in the opening matches of Euro 2024. Alexander-Arnold, typically a right-back for his club, has been deployed alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in England's win over Serbia and draw against Denmark.

Alexander-Arnold's inclusion in Gareth Southgate's midfield was a significant talking point ahead of the tournament. It remains uncertain whether he will continue in that role for England's final Group C fixture against Slovenia. The 25-year-old has been substituted by Conor Gallagher in both games' second halves, despite creating more chances (3) and playing more line-breaking passes in the final third (5) than any other player against Denmark.

"Trent's a top player and I don't think anything phases him in terms of wherever he's playing, right back, left back, middle of the park," Bowen said. "So yeah, like I said, he's a top player and he understands what it takes to adapt to a new role, I suppose. Everyone's so close here, there's lots of conversations after games when people have done well. But like I said, he has got to adapt and now he's playing it."

Bowen himself has had to adapt to a new role at West Ham. Having spent his previous four seasons predominantly in wide attacking areas, injuries to Michail Antonio saw Bowen play much of the 2023-24 season as a centre-forward. He scored seven of his 16 league goals from that position.

"Every role requires different things. I'm predominantly a right-winger; if I play on the left it's going to be different with the way I dribble with the ball," Bowen explained. "I like to dribble inside when I'm out on the right being left-footed and then when you're playing left wing you're dribbling down the outside because it's your stronger foot. Little things like that can go into learning a new position."

Bowen continued by highlighting Alexander-Arnold's qualities: "Striker again is obviously different. I think Trent, the way he plays and the way he passes the ball, and you see those long-range passes that he does. I think the energy that he's got to get into the box as well. I saw him the other night getting really high up the pitch as well. Like I said, the quality when he puts that ball into the box as well. It's a real big credit to him."

Reflecting on his own experience, Bowen noted: "I think he's adapted well to the thing. It's never easy. I can speak from experience of going to, not a new position, because you know, for me, I always found myself at centre-forward, even when I was playing on the wing. So, you kind of just naturally edge towards that position kind of anywhere when you're playing the position. It's never easy, but you know how to change as a top player, and I know that he's adapted really well to the challenge."