'Alexander-Arnold given the platform to do what he does for Liverpool'

Interim manager Lee Carsley has put his stamp on England, from the new young faces to giving Trent Alexander-Arnold the backing and the platform to finally deliver for his country what he regularly produces for Liverpool.

Alexander-Arnold did not appear to have Gareth Southgate's full trust, especially in the defensive aspect of the game, while the "experiment" of using him in midfield at Euro 2024 in the summer was ill-thought-out and doomed to failure.

Carsley has talked up what Alexander-Arnold can do rather than what he cannot and has been rewarded in both games, starting with an outstanding pass that showed remarkable vision to Declan Rice's first goal against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

He then helped to set up Harry Kane's first goal against Finland on Tuesday with another piece of intelligence, and he created the most chances for England on the night.

Carsley was full of praise, saying: "You have seen Trent's array of passing, an ability to control a game. It's not a surprise as we have seen him do it for Liverpool."

As with England, greater tests will lie ahead for Alexander-Arnold, especially defensively but Carsley's words will be music to the ears of the 25-year-old, who has sometimes looked a little unloved on international duty.