Trent Alexander-Arnold produces RIDICULOUS moment in NEW England role

England’s Nations League fixture against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin handed Trent Alexander-Arnold a big opportunity.

Despite amassing nearly 30 caps by the age of 25, the Liverpool star has largely had a frustrating career at international level, in comparison to his stellar life at Anfield.

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Alexander-Arnold found it tough to convince Gareth Southgate to hand him regular starting opportunities for the Three Lions, with Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and even Reece James usually preferred at right-back.

The Liverpool star was eventually tried out in midfield during qualifying for Euro 2024, then handed a starting spot in that position during the first two games of the tournament against Serbia and Denmark.

Those matches didn’t go entirely smoothly for England, and after a disappointing draw against Denmark, Alexander-Arnold was dropped - appearing for only 11 more minutes at the tournament, although he did score the crucial penalty that secured shoot-out victory over Switzerland.

Trent's big chance in Dublin

But things have since changed for Alexander-Arnold with England, very much in his favour. Southgate resigned after the Euros, while Trippier retired. With James injured and Walker left out of Lee Carsley’s first squad, it opened the way for Trent to finally make the right-back position his own.

Alexander-Arnold did so with a twist, after being named in the starting line-up against Ireland - a new twist at international level, but one that Liverpool fans are very familiar with.

The Reds star lined up at right-back for England in Dublin, but often inverted into midfield in possession. It’s something he’s done for Liverpool for some time, with great success, but he hadn’t been given the licence to do it for his country.

Making his first competitive start at right-back for England for fully four years, Alexander-Arnold stepped into midfield in the 11th minute, then fired a pinpoint pass forward to set Anthony Gordon clear. “Ridiculous,” was how that pass was described by The Kop Watch.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher denied Gordon, but the ball wasn’t cleared and Declan Rice scored seconds later, getting the ball rolling for a 2-0 win.

Alexander-Arnold's fine performance came at a time when he's due to be out of contract at the end of the season, with Liverpool legend Graeme Souness fearful that he might have already decided to leave, while pundit Troy Deeney has said that he believes Arne Slot is currently sending the defender a message.

Young right-back Conor Bradley also impressed on international duty this week, and will hope to succeed Alexander-Arnold at Anfield.