Alexander-Arnold shows again he is a talent England cannot afford to waste

T here are plenty of good reasons to go overboard after this passing masterclass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Quite simply this is a talent that England have to nurture; a talent they cannot afford to waste. Alexander-Arnold is something unique, the kind of player whose effortless flourishes provoke involuntary swoons of delight, and the obvious conclusion to make after this straightforward 4-0 victory over Malta was that Gareth Southgate would be committing an act of vandalism if he cannot find a way to make the most of such a beautiful player.

Wearing the No 10 shirt, Alexander-Arnold simply looked the part on the right of a midfield trio with Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson. He oozed class and strutted around as if he owned the place. There were passes with the outside of his right foot, passes over the top and passes into space. There was a pre-assist after eight minutes and a stunning goal of his own in the 27th minute. There was something new and interesting with every swish of that gorgeous right foot.

This was the complete midfield performance. Alexander-Arnold intercepted the ball, positioned himself well and pressed hungrily. Within two minutes of his goal he was at it again, drifting from right to left to win possession, nutmeg an opponent and deliver the cross that led to England winning a penalty for Harry Kane to make it 3-0. Late on, with the game over as a contest, he was spinning on the edge of the area and setting up a chance for Phil Foden.

There will be a clamour for Alexander-Arnold to be a permanent fixture now. Southgate will be bashed around the head if he returns to the double bolt of Rice and Kalvin Phillips against tougher opponents. The potential for boldness is there to be embraced: on