'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Former England icon Gary Lineker was in awe of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold's passing ability after his performance against the Republic of Ireland on September 7. Despite it not resulting in an assist, Lineker was full of praise for Alexander-Arnold's pass to set up Anthony Gordon early in the contest.
Speaking on 'The Rest Is Football' podcast (via TBR Football), Lineker mentioned a couple of passes played by Trent Alexander-Arnold that wowed him. He also praised the Liverpool star's positional awareness to cover multiple areas on the pitch. He said:
"The other thing that perhaps we've not really seen with England in the last few years is that when Trent did do that thing that right-backs or full-backs do now where he turned into an inverted, whatever you want to call it, but he turned into a midfield player at times, his passing range is truly extraordinary."
Gary Lineker then pointed out a pass played by Trent Alexander-Arnold in the very first minute of the game which caught his attention. He added:
"I don't know whether you noticed it, but he actually hit a pass in the first minute of the game that was like, 'wow', it was incredible."
Alexander-Arnold played the entire 90 minutes against Ireland and was crucial for England as they looked to advance the ball quickly. He won three duels and created two big chances, and also played an impressive 10 accurate long balls to find teammates in wide areas.
He will likely be in action again as the Three Lions prepare to host Finland in their next UEFA Nations League game on September 10.
Gary Lineker defends England manager Lee Carsley over national anthem row
As it happens in most international matches, the national anthems of England and Ireland were played ahead of their Nations League clash. However, what caught the eye of many of the Three Lions' fans was their new boss' refusal to sing the national anthem.
Speaking on 'The Rest Is Football' podcast (via The Metro), Gary Lineker defended Lee Carsley, saying people like to find problems with everything these days.
He said:
"Crikey, they do like to stir things up, don't they?! I find it bonkers. If someone chooses not to sing it doesn't matter..."
"I remember some players not singing because they were too shy. I used to sing a bit but not too loud because my voice is terrible."
Another former England legend Alan Shearer, too, sided with Gary Lineker on the matter, saying:
"You're going to be judged on football results, not whether you sing the national anthem or not."
The former England U21 boss Carsley will be glad to hear words of support from former greats as he prepares his team to face Finland in their next game.
