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

Creative spark put on a passing clinic in Malta and Southgate would be committing an act of vandalism if he is not embraced

There 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.