THE RIGHT MOVE
England’s right-back spot is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s to lose – Liverpool star MUST stay there through to World Cup 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance comes with major implications for Kyle Walker
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has not always enjoyed an easy relationship with the England team.
But here was the ultimate proof that the Liverpool defender must remain at right-back right through to the next World Cup.
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Kyle Walker did not make Lee Carsley's squad due to the fact he has not played for Manchester City this season while he suffered a poor Euros.
At the last few major tournaments, he has been caught out in big matches.
So even if Walker does return to the squad, he needs to remain on the bench as Alexander-Arnold - who won only his 30th cap here in Dublin - is better suited to Carsley’s more flexible, attacking style.
Alexander-Arnold set up an early chance for Harry Kane who should have scored.
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And the defender then cut apart the Irish defence with a sublime pass through the home defence for Anthony Gordon to run onto.
While Gordon should have scored, Declan Rice smashed the ball into the net a few seconds later for the opening goal.
As he does with Liverpool, with his team in possession, Alexander-Arnold was given licence to cut inside and play in a central midfield role where he saw plenty of the ball.
Apart from a couple of stray passes in the second half, this was one of his best games for England.
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And there is no doubt that this spot at right-back is now Alexander-Arnold’s to lose.
Walker has previously tried to retire from international football but says now, he wants to keep on playing.
But he should now prepare himself for a frustrating couple of years.
England Player Ratings vs Ireland
DECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England's Nations League opener.
Lee Carsley's players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.
Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England's second goal.
Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.
Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.
SunSport's Charlie Wyett has rated England's players' performance against Ireland...
JORDAN PICKFORD - 6
Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.
After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD - 7
Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.
Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back.
MARC GUEHI - 7
Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.
Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender.
HARRY MAGUIRE - 7
Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.
When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7
LEVI COLWILL - 7
Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.
Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7
DECLAN RICE - 9
Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.
Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.
He then set up the second for Grealish.
KOBBIE MAINOO - 7
Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal.
BUKAYO SAKA - 7
Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal - he has been nominated as their player of the month - and played with plenty of confidence here.
Was involved in the second goal.
JACK GREALISH - 8
Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.
A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.
ANTHONY GORDON - 6
Looked really lively early on but faded.
He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6
HARRY KANE - 6
Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession.
Subs
Gibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.
Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke.
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