19 November 2023 , 15:09
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Danny Mills is no stranger to a controversial opinion but his views on Trent Alexander-Arnold even left his Sky Sports colleagues stunned.
The former England full-back was part of a four-man panel on Soccer Saturday that debated the ideal England XI ahead of Euro 2024 next summer. And the subject of the third midfielder alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice became a topic of fierce debate.
But Mills ignited debate by not only suggesting the Liverpool man shouldn't make the starting XI, but furthermore, the final squad for Germany. And he argued that new Tottenham signing James Maddison represented a better option for Gareth Southgate.
"You've got Trippier, Walker, Reece James, who can play different positions," he said. "Then all of a sudden you ask who you play in midfield?
"You've got Cole Palmer in there, you've got Maddison in there, Bellingham, Grealish, Gallagher, where does Trent play in that midfield? You can't be playing him. Maddison in there for me. He doesn't make my team he doesn't make my squad, Trent."
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His views clearly surprised Tim Sherwood and co. The 25-year-old has won 22 caps for his country, and Southgate opting to deploy him in midfield has been a move credited for revitalising him at international level.
Trent Alexander-Arnold played for England at Wembley last week (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Alexander-Arnold start for England? Comment below.
And Sherwood himself directly disagreed with Mills, saying: "I just think that Trent will find a pass. He's unbelievable. If you're Harry Kane and your on the move it's ideal. And he gives us a set-piece option."
At club level, Jurgen Klopp opted to utilise the Academy graduate at the tail-end of last season, and he starred in a 6-1 demolition of Leeds at Elland Road. But he's since to his right back berth with the Reds, appearing 10 times in the Premier League this season.
With England having already booked their spot at Euro 2024 next summer, a true indication of Southgate's intentions could come on Monday when they travel to North Macedonia. With Bellingham unvailable, Alexander-Arnold was deployed in the engine room for the 2-0 win over Malta on Friday night.