Trent Alexander-Arnold reflects on ‘positive night’ after scoring for England

Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions side wrapped up the first of their two pre-Euro 2024 warm-up friendlies with a win at St James’ Park thanks to goals from Cole Palmer, Alexander-Arnold and Harry Kane.

The Reds’ number 66 started the evening in midfield before switching to right-back in the latter stages of the contest.

Alexander-Arnold scored his nation’s second in the 85th minute, turning Jack Grealish’s ball into the area with a well-taken low volley from a tight angle.

“I think it was a positive night and it was a good night,” Alexander-Arnold told BBC Radio 5 Live after the game.

“(It is) a foundation laid and one to build on. After not playing for two weeks, it was always a slow start to the game.

“We built up as a team and found our feet, especially in the second half. We made adjustments and were able to penetrate them and find people through the lines and do what we wanted to do. We can take a lot of positives today and build on them for Friday (against Iceland).”

He added: “I love playing football and I’ve been excited for the last two weeks and everything has been focused on that.

“I had a good week (of) training. I wanted to go out there, I like to play for my country, I like to represent it. It’s always amazing to get these opportunities.”

England will play a final friendly against Iceland at Wembley on June 7, with the final squad for the Euros due to be confirmed on the same day.