Southgate made mention of the absence of Kalvin Phillips, who has become a maligned figure throughout his struggles with Manchester City and on loan at West Ham United, but was so influential in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final.
Phillips was a solid defensive shield, adept at scenting danger, an unspectacular anchor in that area but an important one. It was why Southgate kept faith with him until the player’s lack of fitness and form meant he could no longer justify his selection.
Phillips was also a strong physical presence, allowing Rice to move in and get closer to opponents to exert pressure, which he has not been able to achieve against either Serbia or Denmark.
The presence of Phillips also allowed Rice to spread his own influence wider. He was not only a holding midfield player but also capable of making surging, creative runs from midfield as he did to such great effect for Arsenal this season.
Here, both dropped deep to protect the defence, Rice perhaps feeling that responsibility even more acutely because Alexander-Arnold’s strengths lie in positions further forward.
Rice was barely seen other than protecting England’s defence in their two group games, robbing Southgate of an important, high-quality weapon, while Alexander-Arnold’s natural attacking instincts make him occasionally vulnerable in front of the back four.
It was the worst of both worlds, resulting in a torrid, tortuous experience all round for England, not just in midfield.