Gallagher set to replace Alexander-Arnold for Slovenia game

England manager Gareth Southgate is set to make a change to his midfield for Tuesday’s final group game at Euro 2024 by bringing in Conor Gallagher for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Southgate’s team lead Group C on four points from their opening two matches and will aim to finish top when they face Slovenia in Cologne.

Normally deployed at right-back for Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold was utilised in an unfamiliar role alongside Declan Rice against Serbia and Denmark — an idea that has divided opinion.

The 25-year-old was removed after 54 minutes of the Denmark meeting but his three chances created and five line-breaking passes in the final third surpassed any other England player.

Gallagher replaced Alexander-Arnold in both ties and the Chelsea academy graduate, 24, is now expected to be granted a starting berth.

Southgate has made alterations to his starting line-up in the third fixture of his three previous major tournaments and then also tweaked it for the first knockout round each time, suggesting his Slovenia selection is not necessarily a sign of things to come if England advance further.

Ahead of the contest, Rice told ITV: “It’s funny because people were calling for Trent to play in midfield. Half the country are calling for Trent to play in midfield, and then you play him in midfield, and then you want to bring him down.

“I don’t get it, I don’t get it at all. I’ll defend all of my boys until the day I never pull on an England shirt. Trent is one of the best players I’ve ever seen. Don’t call for someone to play in a position and then backtrack all because you think he’s had a bad game or something.

“I’ll tell you now: Trent can play in midfield. I’ve seen it at England, I’ve seen it for Liverpool, he’s unbelievable. That’s what I say to the people who say that type of stuff.”

For Slovenia, star forward Benjamin Sesko is dealing with a thigh injury ahead of Tuesday’s match but is expected to start.

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