Some fans may have baulked at the sight of Trent Alexander-Arnold wearing number 10 – but, to the England full-back-cum-midfielder, it felt completely “natural”.
Alexander-Arnold started in a midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Malta on Friday.
It is not a completely new concept for the Liverpool player under Gareth Southgate, having played in that position in a September 2021 qualifier against Andorra, albeit with underwhelming results.
In Ta’Qali, however, England supporters were treated to a best of Alexander-Arnold compilation – pinpoint crosses and lofted balls, energy and skill in possession and a superb goal from 25 yards in a routine 4-0 victory.
“I haven’t played it too much, but it feels comfortable,” the 24-year-old told Channel 4 when asked whether this was a position he could see his future in.
“It feels natural, I will say that. It’s somewhere I can see myself playing. I want to make sure I am regularly on the team sheet and that was a good foundation to build on.
“I think the role I’ve been playing with club football, it’s a new avenue. It’s still early doors, it’s only one match, but it’s important that when I get the opportunity, I take it.”
This victory was among the easiest England have had for many years – Malta failed to have a touch in the opposition box, let alone a shot on target.
But there were signs in the link-up play between Alexander-Arnold and Bukayo Saka that this experiment could be worth persisting with in forthcoming tougher qualifying tests against North Macedonia, Ukraine and reigning European champions Italy.
Alexander-Arnold played a part in the eighth-minute opener. His pass over the top found Saka, whose cross was turned in by Malta defender Ferdinando Apap.
It gave England the advantage to avoid any chance of this turning into a stodgy, nervy night like so many in past qualification campaigns.