Jamie Carragher says central midfield is 'the BEST position' for Trent Alexander-Arnold for England

Jamie Carragher thinks central midfield is Trent Alexander-Arnold's best position for England and says he would be in his starting three at the moment.

The former Liverpool defender believes Gareth Southgate would not play the 24-year-old at right-back due to the competition in that position.

Alexander-Arnold excelled during the Three Lions' Euro 2024 qualifying wins against Malta and North Macedonia playing on the right of a midfield three.

Speaking on Radio 5 Live, Carragher said: 'I think he [Trent] has given them something in the last couple of games. Yes, the opposition is not the type of opposition that England will be playing next summer when they're trying to win the European Championships.

'But for England, that's the best position for him because we know Gareth Southgate would not put him in at right-back because of the competition there.'

He continued: 'Right now, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Trent would be that midfield three, maybe a Mason Mount could come into the equation there when he gets back fit.

'For England now going forward, Gareth Southgate will be looking at the make-up of his midfield.

'I think it just opens up another discussion in terms of how it affects his Liverpool position.

'He's almost played a hybrid role of full-back and central midfield and he excels in central midfield, it's just whether he stays there.'

Alexander-Arnold laid bare his quality in two stunning displays on England duty this month.

In the first game, a 4-0 win against Malta, his excellent pass over the top early on led to the first goal, while his thunderous strike after 28 minutes made it 2-0.

In the 7-0 victory over North Macedonia, he was instrumental in the build-up to two of Bukayo Saka's goals, with another glorious ball over the top leading to the Arsenal man's second.

In particular, playing in midfield allows the Liverpool ace to hit the ball first-time on the half-turn and carve open defences when they are vulnerable.

His new inverted full-back position at Liverpool, having him wander into a more central position partway up the pitch, was key to their run of form at the end of the season.

The debate around where Alexander-Arnold's best position is has circulated for some time, with some considering his defensive errors too great a risk against more formidable opponents.

Moving him into midfield is seen as a way to mitigate the gaps caused by his roaming and to enhance his creative possibilities.