Kostas Tsimikas leaves wordless reaction after Trent Alexander-Arnold finally plays for England

By Ben Evans

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold finally made his World Cup debut against Wales yesterday.

The 24-year-old has never been first choice under Gareth Southgate, but was brought on as a second-half substitute for Kyle Walker.

Alexander-Arnold may have been disappointed to be overlooked by Southgate when deciding to rest Kieran Trippier.

However, he had a solid half an hour cameo and watched Marcus Rashford wrap up a comfortable win.

After missing out on last year’s European Championships through injury, Alexander-Arnold finally made his debut at a major tournament for England.

Southgate stuck with a back-four, and with Jordan Henderson on the pitch, Alexander-Arnold could settle into a similar set-up to what he plays at Liverpool.

Wales had all but given up by the time the right-back entered the pitch, and he wasn’t really required in a defensive capacity.

He only misplaced one of his 21 passes, but didn’t even attempt a dribble or cross (SofaScore).

Alexander-Arnold took to social media after the game to celebrate England’s progression to the knockout stages.

He was congratulated by teammates past and present for his involvement last night.

Alexander-Arnold finally makes World Cup debut

The 24-year-old posted a number of pictures after the match with the caption, ‘Knockouts baby’.

The likes of Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana replied and applauded his performance.

Fellow Liverpool full-back Kostas Tsimikas loved what he saw from Alexander-Arnold too.

Despite not getting many minutes on the pitch, Alexander-Arnold appears to be enjoying his debut World Cup campaign.

He was seriously impressed with one England keeper during training before the USA game.

However, Alexander-Arnold wouldn’t have appreciated Everton rival Conor Coady winding him up.

Southgate has never been an England manager to make sweeping changes during a tournament.

The chances are, if Alexander-Arnold is going to play again in Qatar, it’s likely to be off the bench.

Jurgen Klopp may not be too upset about that, as he’ll want Alexander-Arnold to be fresh on his return to Anfield next month.