If England fail in Qatar it won’t be because they left out Alexander-Arnold
If England fail in Qatar it won’t be because they left out Alexander-Arnold: Perhaps, if only possible, things will turn out OK.
Yes, in no sane world does a chaotic 3-3 draw resemble the fitting conclusion to a tournament. And sure, one of the cardinal principles of the film is that the second someone thinks things might simply be OK, they are guaranteed to be anything but.
Don’t you dare open that cupboard! The question “Who’s there?” should never be yelled into the night.
Do not ever joyfully sing along with the radio while washing your hair. And under no circumstances should you think that a mediocre England can wing it at a major tournament and suddenly find its rhythm. Not a good match. You won’t hear a click.
Three things
There are only three things wrong with this England team, which is fantastic news after losing to Italy and drawing with Germany.
The defense, the offense, and the goalkeeper are the bad news.
Deep in the grey concrete keep of Wembley Stadium on Monday night, watching Gareth Southgate deliver his final pre-tournament address, it was tempting to feel that strangest of things.
Not quite hope, but a sense that this team might just exit the World Cup, whenever that might be, with a growl instead of a whimper.
There is a feeling of division at the moment.
For the first time in recent matches, Southgate’s pacing on the sidelines has been accompanied by a tug at the tail of his jacket and a whisper behind his back, both of which he attributes to the spectral presence of former England managers.
You’ve finally joined our ranks.
Plus, this will be history before you know it.
Whoever comes after Southgate will have to deal with the consequences of how this situation unfolds and the tale that emerges from it.
Truth
The truth is that he’s done well as England manager. England has advanced to the quarterfinals of the last two championships by playing defensively and with a limited attacking strategy.
The problem is that the strategy that made it successful is now outdated. The defense has weakened rather than strengthened.
The starting forwards for the last five years, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling are still starting forwards for the current season.
The supposed golden hand of extraordinary talent passed down through the generations has become more of a rag-bag. It’s not easy to put together a new group. Southgate is hardly an infinitely capable coach. This has not yet occurred.
The difficulty now is how to assign responsibility, which is central to the image English football would like to project. Howlers, oversight, and lions being led by donkeys are all that are allowed.
The state of grace is inherent to all things; the default option – England wins – is betrayed only by the greed and foolishness of those in power.
The widespread belief that football is the national sport is false. The national sport consists primarily of complaining about football and specifically complaining about football in a way that keeps the illusion alive.
Qatar
At this time, it looks that this desire will eventually settle on one player. With no remaining games, it seems evident that Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be traveling to Qatar with the team.
It’s a real shame since he’s a fantastic footballer and a delight to watch, not to mention one of England’s most novel, luxuriously inventive players in recent memory.
Though well-intentioned, the concept that Alexander-Arnold should be held up as a cause celebre, his non-selection as a public travesty, an example of All That Is Wrong, just crumbles under closer inspection.
The plan Southgate has in place may be flawed and boring, or you may simply not like it. Claiming that the decision not to select Alexander-Arnold was made out of bias, illogic, or personal motivation is ridiculous. He just hasn’t had a good season, plain and simple.
Have you been paying attention? Southgate isn’t about taking defensive risks. Reece James is another promising young player who has already proven himself in the Champions League. Kieran Trippier competes as a warrior in tournaments.
Southgate
For those wondering, yes, Kyle Walker is indeed named Kyle Walker. In terms of form, all three are ahead. The inverse is true: Southgate should not choose Alexander-Arnold over any of these three players at the moment because doing so would be irrational and unfair.
Here’s where the Harry Maguire analogy could come into play. Maguire is also struggling but still getting picked, just like Alexander-Arnold. Defend yourself, man.
There is no connection between the two at all. Maguire does not have a comparable pool of available replacements.
While Alexander-Arnold has struggled throughout his time with the Three Lions, England’s Maguire made the Uefa selection at the Euros last year.
Goals
England only let in one goal against them on their way to the Euros championship game. Important goals have been scored by the wingbacks. No, thank you; we’re OK.
Alexander-Arnold is so talented and has so much untapped potential that there is an argument for him to be selected for England outside of this process as a unique instance.
He’s not your typical fullback but a roaming playmaker and a never-ending source of inspiration on the football field. However, when in form, he excels at one specific position in a Liverpool squad built around him. The English never play like that. Plus, he’s not exactly in tip-top shape.
So, what’s the big deal with all the commotion? Why must this matter so much, becoming a symbol of hatred and favoritism? What about this arrangement that requires a feeling of betrayal with every string of bad luck?
Anyone who has followed the Three Lions for any length knows that England has had their fair share of managers who were either lazy, incompetent, or just interested in a portion of the team. Regardless of Southgate’s flaws, however, this is not it.
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