Alexander-Arnold to be replaced in final group for England

With a win in Cologne, Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, who have four points from their first two games, would advance as the winners of Group C and into the round of sixteen of Euro 2024.

Despite leading the group at the moment, critics and supporters have criticized England’s performances thus far, focusing especially on Southgate’s deployment of right-back Alexander-Arnold as a central midfielder.

After the 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday, Southgate acknowledged that this was a “experiment” meant to bridge the gap left by Kalvin Phillips, who quit the England team after his outstanding Euro 2020 campaign.
According to The Athletic, Southgate will take a calculated risk and bench Alexander-Arnold for England’s last group stage meeting against Slovenia. Gallagher, who has started in place of the Liverpool star in both of England’s Euro 2024 matches thus far, will take his place.
There had been demands for Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace or Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield instead of the youthful pair, but Southgate seems to have chosen a somewhat more seasoned player.

The 24-year-old Gallagher captained Chelsea 30 times in the 2023–24 season and has now participated in 217 senior club appearances and 15 games for England.

At major tournaments, Southgate has a history of altering his starting lineup for the third and final group stage match. Additional changes are made during the knockout stages of those campaigns.

Luke Shaw has returned to full training, which has helped England, and all 26 players took part in Monday’s training.