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Trent Alexander-Arnold’s planned wonder assist is revealed by Bukayo Saka.
In England’s 7-0 thumping of North Macedonia, Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold pre-planned his magnificent assist for Bukayo Saka’s second goal of the game.
England advanced to Euro 2024 next summer with a step thanks to Saka’s first hat-trick goal as they won their fourth straight qualifying match. Alexander-Arnold played in midfield for the second time in as many days after his standout performance against Malta last week.
Alexander-Arnold, who is once again wearing the number 10, made the most of the role’s passing opportunities to set up Saka for the best of England’s seven goals.
The Arsenal winger sprinted for Alexander-Arnold’s waving first-time pass forward, which was expertly aimed to drop between North Macedonia’s left-back and center-back. Saka then took a position and ferociously slammed the ball into the goal.
Saka later admitted that he knew where to go since he had been alerted just a few moments before, during the halftime break, that the pass was headed his way.
“He’s a top player,” Saka told Channel 4 of Alexander-Arnold. At half-time he said to me he was going to do that pass. When I scored, I was looking for him to thank him. I didn’t have to break my stride.”
Alexander-Arnold might start playing regularly in midfield, according to England manager Gareth Southgate, who has already made that clear. But Liverpool might also have a choice in the matter.
The Reds have needed to rebuild in the centre of the field, and even after securing the high-profile signing of World Cup champion Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, Alexander-Arnold might provide an extra boost in that position occasionally.