Micah Richards has claimed that Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold should start for England at the upcoming World Cup.
Speaking to The Mirror, Richards admitted that he absolutely ‘loves’ the Liverpool right-back.
“Trent is my favourite – I love him. Obviously, he has gone through a difficult patch at Liverpool but what he possesses going forward is ridiculous,” gushed the former Manchester City defender.
“I played at right-back – and what these boys are doing in that position now is just amazing. Gone are the days when your full-backs tried to keep things tight defensively and then got forward when you could.
“They start in forward positions now and are expected to create chances like wingers. Trent doesn’t only have to go [to the World Cup] – he has to play. International football is slower than the Premier League, so I think that will help him from a defensive point of view. England don’t press like Liverpool. They drop off and get into shape, so that would really suit Trent.”
Trent still trying to win over Southgate
Given the injuries that Gareth Southgate currently has in the England squad, it would be a major surprise if Trent didn’t make the plane.
There is still a little grain of doubt though, which is ludicrous really. Yes, on form perhaps Alexander-Arnold isn’t in the best XI players in the country.
But as the saying goes, form is very much temporary. It would be exceptionally harsh if the Liverpool star were to miss out after his first poor patch in virtually five years.
Some England fans would disagree. But put their club biases to one side for a second, and they’ll see that having Alexander-Arnold in the squad is a no-brainer.
The 23-year-old is capable of creating something from nothing. Even this season, when he’s been so often below-par, there are still moments in games where he pulls off the exquisite.
At times, Liverpool haven’t been able to turn those passes and crosses into goals. England have Harry Kane, though. Pair up the ultimate creator and the ultimate striker in tournament football and you stand a good chance of doing well.
Unfortunately, whatever Richards and others say, the final decision will lie with Southgate.
Notorious for staying loyal to his favourites, and struggling to overcome doubts about others, it seems unlikely that the England boss will give Trent his chance.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
