Trent Alexander-Arnold compared to Lionel Messi after sensational midfield showing for England

Fans can't believe Tony Cascarino compared Trent Alexander-Arnold to Lionel Messi following his dazzling display in midfield for England.

Alexander-Arnold starred as England easily beat Malta 4-0 in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday.

The Liverpool man played a stunning pass in the build-up to his side's opening goal, before finding the back of the net to double their advantage.

He struck a stunning long-range goal in the 28th minute to make it 2-0.

Fans and critics alike hailed the 24-year-old's showing in the middle of the park, with Cascarino even comparing him to Argentina legend Messi.

"You look at Trent, and you know he can deliver for England," he said on talkSPORT.

The former Aston Villa and Chelsea striker added: "Trent has qualities that are not far off Lionel Messi."

Cascarino's claim about Alexander-Arnold stunned people on social media.

One Twitter user wrote: "Agreed he can make a difference. He’s an amazing talent who is going to be world class in the midfield role. Not sure about Messi comparisons although his eye for a pass and creativity are certainly up there."

A second tweeted: "He's just compared England's 4th choice right back to Lionel Messi."

A third added: "Listening to the commentary last night you would of thought that Trent had put in a world class performance against a European superpower and was now the next great midfielder. It was Malta!"

A fourth said: "That’s the craziest take on Trent in a midfield role I’ve ever seen..."

Another commented: "It was against Malta."

Alexander-Arnold could keep his spot in midfield following his brilliant outing against Malta when the Three Lions take on North Macedonia next Monday.

Speaking after the 4-0 win, he was asked whether he could see himself in midfield in the future: "I haven't played it too much, but it feels comfortable," he said.

"It feels natural, I will say that. It's somewhere I can see myself playing. I want to make sure I am regularly on the team sheet and that was a good foundation to build on.

"I think the role I've been playing with club football, it's a new avenue. It's still early doors, it's only one match, but it's important that when I get the opportunity, I take it."