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Trent Alexander-Arnold believes becoming Gareth Southgate’s midfield dynamo is his best shot of shining for England. The Liverpool star excelled in a roaming role in Friday’s 4-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win in Malta. His stunning first-half strike, the 24-year-old’s second England goal, capped a fine performance as he lined up alongside Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice. Alexander-Arnold, first played in midfield by Southgate against Andorra in 2021, has also seen his role at Liverpool evolve and feels the position is a strong option with England given the competition at right-back. He said: “It’s certainly an avenue. One that is clearly being explored and is something the manager wants to explore and I want to explore. It is one that is exciting for the future and who knows? “For me, I want to make sure I am playing as many England games as possible and that has always been the aim, causing headaches for the manager. I think this is a potential route we can go down that will help me get into the team. “I think there is definitely potential there. It is just about putting questions into the manager’s mind, knowing that I can play in there and bring qualities to the game that other players can’t. Hopefully causing headaches is what I need to be doing.” Alexander-Arnold added to Ferdinando Apap’s early own goal, with Harry Kane and Callum Wilson netting penalties to maintain England’s grip at the top of Group C. I want to make sure I am playing as many England games as possible and that has always been the aim, causing headaches for the manager Trent Alexander-Arnold He finished the season in a more advanced central role for Liverpool and admits his positional change at Anfield has been tricky. “There were a lot of questions involved,” he said. “There was me asking questions and absorbing a lot of information about where I needed to be and how I need to play the game. “There was also me feeling natural in there, feeling like it is something I’ve always done and something I could do regularly. I would say it was definitely a mixture of both.” England host North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday, with Southgate considering using Alexander-Arnold in midfield again. He has just 19 caps and Southgate knows playing for his nation has not been straightforward for him. He said: “For me, the most pleasing part is that a lot of time with England it’s been difficult. Not our relationship as I’ve always got on well with him, but you’re giving him a lot on confidence because you’re investing in him something specific where he will have different feel about it. “I’m sure he will probably have enjoyed this England game more than any other. I’ve always said he’s a talent we’re trying to find a way with – he’s been unfortunate that we have such high quality full-backs and experienced full-backs. “It’s hard to give somebody the faith. It’s a bit like when we went to tournaments with five or six wingers, you can’t have them all believe that they’re the favourite son because you can’t justify that with your actions in the end. “So whenever you’re putting other players in, it’s inevitably going to hit somebody’s confidence.” Read More Gareth Southgate wants England to retain winning mentality on road to Euro 2024 Gareth Southgate praises Trent Alexander-Arnold’s adaptability in win over Malta Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment means England may have found their ‘quarterback’ England fans soak up the Malta sun and discuss tactics ahead of Euro 2024 qualifier Marcus Rashford couldn’t stomach Man City celebrations but England remain united ‘Serial winners’ can help England finally celebrate silverware – Tyrone Mings

Wales are back in Euro 2024 qualifying action away to Turkey on Monday. Rob Page’s side are bidding to recover from their shock home defeat to Armenia on Friday against the Group D leaders. Here, the PA news agency looks at the main talking points surrounding the crunch game in Samsun. Page must strike right balance This time last year Wales boss Page was basking in the glow of guiding Wales to their first World Cup for 64 years. How times have changed. Wales have won only once in 11 games and Page’s tactics have come under intense scrutiny. Reverting to three at the back and playing two holding midfielders in front of them might provide Wales with the solidity they have so woefully lacked over the past 12 months. Counter-attack best form of defence There is no Kieffer Moore after the Bournemouth targetman was sent off against Armenia to earn a ban. Moore’s absence might actually work in Wales’ favour in this instance should Page bolster his defence and pack the midfield. That could give Wales a strong base to release the pace of Brennan Johnson and Daniel James on the break. Should Danny ward off Wayne? Danny Ward’s miserable season suffered further indignity as four goals flashed past him in Armenia’s stunning Cardiff success. Ward’s struggle for form at relegated Leicester saw him lose his place there towards the end of the season and his confidence levels must be a real concern for Page. Wayne Hennessey is the obvious replacement but the 108-times capped veteran – sent off on his last appearance at the World Cup in Qatar – has spent most of the season warming the bench at Nottingham Forest. Revenge or repeat? The two nations have met seven times with Wales winning four games to Turkey’s two and one draw. Their last meeting came two years ago as Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts scored in a 2-0 Wales victory at the delayed 2020 European Championship, securing qualification for the knockout stage at Turkey’s expense. So Turkey have that extra motivation of avenging that Baku defeat in front of what is sure to be a volatile crowd at the Samsun 19 Mayis Stadium. Balance of power This contest has the appearance of a defining fixture to make next summer’s European Championship finals in Germany. Wales’ promising start with four points from two games, which included a bonus draw away to group favourites Croatia, was blown apart by the Armenia defeat. Turkey are now on the front foot after grabbing a stoppage-time winner to beat Latvia 3-2 on Friday, and victory would take them five points clear of Wales in a potential race behind Croatia for the second qualifying spot. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live A great experience – Doug Watson relishing chance to guide Scotland to World Cup On this day in 2019: Eoin Morgan hits record number of sixes in ODI innings US Open Wrap: Rickie Fowler nails 70 foot putt, shares lead with Wyndham Clark

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