Trent Alexander-Arnold compared to Tottenham icon as he gets set to partner Declan Rice for England - but Three Lions legend urges caution

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to start in midfield for England against Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener on Sunday night.

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has opted for the Liverpool right-back ahead of Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.

4 Alexander-Arnold is set to play a central role for England against Serbia Credit: Getty

The 25-year-old hasn't always been first-choice for his nation given the depth of quality at full-back, but now he's set to be unleashed in a central role.

It's a potentially controversial decision given his lack of minutes there, although he did start in that position in the 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia earlier this month.

He moved to full-back after 62 minutes and then scored England's second of the game with a delicate strike into the far corner.

With Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has, on occasion, played an inverted role too, allowing the Reds to maximise his excellent passing.

And it's his ability on the ball alongside Declan Rice, which has reminded one Three Lions hero of a legendary Tottenham star.

England legend Stuart Pearce told talkSPORT: "Dec can do a bit of everything. I think even on the show tonight we might even talk about if there is a role in this tournament for Declan to play further up the pitch like he does for Arsenal.

"I think he can offer a lot more but the balance has got to be right and if he's got Trent in there, getting the balance right, he's got to be the quarterback with his passing range.

"I probably liken him to, when I first broke into the England squad, Glenn Hoddle.

4 Hoddle was renowned for his exceptional passing and skill with the ball at his feet before eventually becoming England manager Credit: Getty

"Glenn probably had one or two question marks about his defensive work but what he could do with the ball at his feet was magnificent - Trent is very similar."

But there is the potential the experiment fails, admits Pearce: "He'll either be good enough in that role and win the manager over and stays in that position and he's going to be a massive success in this tournament with his passing or it just doesn't work at tournament level."

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That's a view shared by Manchester United legend Roy Keane who fears the worst if the tactics remain the same beyond the group stages.

Speaking on ITV about England's set-up, Keane said: "I think they'll be fine in the group stage.

"I think Trent's position will be fine in those matches, but it's against the real top teams I think he'll be found out.

"I think he'll be ripped to shreds if he plays against one of the better teams in central midfield."

Keane added: "It's all about getting the balance right in your team.

4 Alexander-Arnold scored against Bosnia in his last start for England Credit: Getty

"They've got some brilliant individuals, we've mentioned that many times before. Four or five players who would walk into any team at this tournament, but it's getting that balance right.

"They (England) have players who can go and win you football matches, but the problem is defending against the really better teams."

With Rice alongside him and Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham just ahead of him, Alexander-Arnold should be offered enough protection to thrive.

He is set to be joined in the team by Bukayo Saka and John Stones, despite recent fitness concerns.

Marc Guehi will partner Man City star Stones at centre-back.

Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier will flank them at full-back, while Phil Foden and Harry Kane should complete the XI bar any late setbacks.

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