Man United icon Wayne Rooney Kobbie Mainoo England advice ignored for Euro 2024 clash vs Serbia

Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be in the starting line-up for England's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia despite Wayne Rooney's warning about defensive shortcomings potentially making him a liability against top-tier teams.

Speaking ahead of the game Southgate stated: "Everybody's more than entitled to opinion. That's our world and we have to accept it - but then we have to go and show what we can do.

"I'm really happy. I spoke to Trent about playing in this role over a year ago. It's something he's been really keen to do. He's been really receptive to feedback and every bit of information. We know he can be a really special player. Equally, we know it's not something he's been doing for the last five years.

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"There is an element of the unknown to it. But I think it's an opportunity that's worth grasping because he could be something incredibly special," reports the Mirror.

Alexander-Arnold is expected to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield, having been utilised as an inverted full-back by Jurgen Klopp last season. The 25-year-old's passing and dead-ball expertise seem to have convinced Southgate that his inclusion is a gamble worth taking.

Rooney had guarded against the call though, saying on the Overlap, "I think he'll go with Trent. I think he's probably the most gifted player with the ball at his feet we've got.

"Defensively, he's all over the place. He can't defend. I wouldn't have him anywhere near the middle of the pitch. I'd have no problem with playing him here [at right-back].

"I think in here [midfield], I wouldn't have him anywhere near there. And I love Trent,