Gary Lineker believes Liverpool fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold could be a starter for England if Reece James was switched to the left flank.
James was employed by Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel as an inverted wingback during the second half of the 1-1 draw against Manchester United yesterday evening, and Lineker claims he could be used in a similar role at international level:
Interesting to see @reecejames_24 play just as brilliantly on the left as the right. Imagine having him on one flank and @TrentAA on the other. #GarethSouthgate.
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) November 28, 2021
Considering James has scored five goals and provided five assists on the right wing so far this season, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be deployed on the left-hand side very often.
It is expected to be an ongoing battle between Alexander-Arnold and James for a place in England’s starting lineup over the next few years. Most Liverpool supporters won’t be particularly bothered by the debate, though, as long as Alexander-Arnold keeps up his superb recent form for the Reds.
The 23-year-old has an incredible 10 assists in 14 appearances this campaign, which is one more than he managed in the whole of last season.