Gary Lineker spits cold hard facts about Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool star's interview

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold was the hero for his country as England booked its place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 by beating Switzerland on penalties. And Gary Lineker hit the nail on the head with his analysis immediately post-match.

"I can't tell you how pleased I am for Trent," Lineker said live on the BBC immediately after Alexander-Arnold gave an interview following his ice-cool spot kick. "He's had a slightly tough time out here, there's no question about that. He was put in midfield in that experiment that didn't quite work because the team wasn't cohesive.

"I think he would have been fine in the way they are playing now. But to step up, come on as a sub late, late on, to step up and to have the penalty to win the game — he'd only been on the pitch for six minutes — the guy's a technician, he's a wonderful footballer."

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"Well it just shows his mentality," Micah Richards added. "Going in that midfield role was difficult because in the earlier games, England were playing a little bit deeper, which wouldn't suit him.

"In this system, he would have been perfect. Obviously Bukayo Saka playing on the right, Kieran Tripper on the left-hand side, but, to have that courage in the moment, to step up, in front of your country, it just shows the character of the player."

"Incredible," Liverpool academy graduate Alexander-Arnold had said. "These are the goals we set for ourselves. It was a difficult performance but the team showed a lot of spirit and dug deep when it mattered most. Whatever it takes, no matter what, we win. That's what matters.

"A lot of practice goes into that moment. They are moments I enjoy. When the gaffer tells me I'm taking one, my belly doesn't drop. I knew what spot and I knew I just needed to execute it. Jordan Pickford making the save at the start gives you the confidence. It was the finest of margins but we were able to win it."

Liverpool.com says: Alexander-Arnold should have started the game but ended up playing his part. He was so cool under pressure and he might have to do that again before heading back to Merseyside this summer. If England reaches the final, another shootout victory wouldn't be a massive surprise.