Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed the most challenging opponent he’s encountered in training with the England squad.
The 25-year-old, who was first called up to the national team before the 2018 World Cup, is currently participating in the European Championship in Germany.
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Playing as a midfielder alongside Declan Rice in all three group stage matches against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia, Alexander-Arnold has adapted to a new position under Gareth Southgate’s experimentation.
After training with players like Harry Kane and Phil Foden in recent weeks, who does Alexander-Arnold consider his toughest training opponent in the England camp?
In the latest episode of Lions’ Den on England’s YouTube channel, the Liverpool defender named Dele Alli as his toughest opponent, following Jude Bellingham’s choice of Kyle Walker.
“I would say Dele (Alli). My first few camps, when I was younger, and he was at the top of his game at that time,” Alexander-Arnold said. “He was untouchable.”
Alli was part of the England team that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, although he won the last of his 37 caps in 2019.
Just this week, the Everton star revealed his ambition to play for his country at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
“I spoke about it in my interview and don’t want to go over it too much again – but I know my level as a player and what I can get to,” he said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football show in April.
“It’s hard for me to even watch football. It’s been tough for me, I’d say, this past eight months has been hard to watch.”
Alli added: “You know you can set reminders on your phone, I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says, ‘World Cup 2026’. That’s my aim for now. I think that people will be like, ‘he hasn’t played in a year’ but I don’t care, I know my level.
“The only target I have is the World Cup right now. Obviously I’m injured and contracted to Everton and so my mind is just about taking it day by day and making sure my injury is healed and that I’m in the best possible condition after the summer.”
The 28-year-old midfielder last played for England in a Nations League game against Switzerland on June 9, 2019.
