Trent Alexander-Arnold dropped, 24-year-old to replace him for England's Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia: Reports

England manager Gareth Southgate is allegedly set to replace Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold with Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher in their final UEFA Euro 2024 group game.

Over the last few days, Southgate's decision to start Alexander-Arnold in a midfield double pivot behind Jude Bellingham has received a lot of flak. His team struggled to dominate the proceedings in their 1-0 Group C victory over Serbia and their 1-1 draw against Denmark.

Now, according to famed journalist David Ornstein, Southgate will drop Alexander-Arnold and start Gallagher in England's final Group C match against Slovenia. He is aiming to beat Slovenia to finish top in their group and avoid facing Germany at the last-16 stage.

Alexander-Arnold, who is naturally a wing-back, was replaced by Gallagher in his national team's 1-1 draw against Denmark last Thursday (June 20). The 25-year-old created three chances, more than any other Three Lions star, from midfield in 54 minutes of action.

Gallagher, on the other hand, has featured in 57 minutes of action for Southgate's team at the Euro 2024. The 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder will be hoping to make the most of his opportunity against Slovenia.

England star Trent Alexander-Arnold hailed by Declan Rice amidst Euro 2024 criticism

Speaking to ITV, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice launched a passionate rant about the criticism faced by Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 25-year-old elaborated (h/t The Athletic):

"It's funny because people were calling for Trent to play in midfield. Half the country are calling for Trent to play in midfield, and then you play him in midfield, and then you want to bring him down. I don't get it, I don't get it at all. I'll defend all of my boys until the day I never pull on an England shirt."

Rice, who has started both of his team's Euro 2024 games, continued:

"Trent is one of the best players I've ever seen. Don't call for someone to play in a position and then backtrack all because you think he's had a bad game or something. I’ll tell you now: Trent can play in midfield. I've seen it at England, I've seen it for Liverpool, he's unbelievable. That's what I say to the people who say that type of stuff."

So far, Alexander-Arnold has found the back of the net three times and contributed five assists in 27 outings, including 22 starts, for England.

Meanwhile, the Liverpool youth product has registered 19 goals and 81 assists in 310 appearances across competitions for his boyhood club.