Ian Wright gives his verdict on whether Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold should be going to the World Cup

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BBC pundit Ian Wright has said Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold should definitely be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup.

That’s what the former Arsenal striker said on The Ringer’s Wrighty’s House podcast, having claimed the 24-year-old is one of those special players who can create a moment of magic in big situations.

“I don’t care what anybody says. Trent Alexander-Arnold should be going because I’m all about special teams,” Wright said.

“I’d say the same about Ivan Toney. Let’s go back to Beckham 99, you need someone to put ball in the right place in the right time, and he did it.

“If you’re going to take somebody to the World Cup and he might not get a minute then why not take a Trent Alexander-Arnold, who can come on and deliver that?”

Wright says Trent should go to the World Cup

Although Alexander-Arnold should be the starting right wing-back in Southgate’s best XI, Wright is correct in his assertion that the Scouser could come in and produce a moment of sheer class when most needed going forward.

From set-pieces, the 24-year-old is unmatched in the England squad. This is arguably besides James Ward-Prowse, but he is not expected to feature much if he is to be included by the Three Lions boss.

Southgate has often been critical of the Liverpool star’s defensive abilities, claiming that’s why a number of other right-backs are currently ahead in his pecking order.

Even if that were true, the current England system utilises a back-five, with two attacking wing-backs.

This is the perfect formation for Alexander-Arnold, as it would allow him to bomb on towards the opponent’s penalty area, whilst also giving him the option of starting the play out from the back.

The Anfield man would have less defensive responsibilities to attend to, so Southgate should not have much of an argument when it comes to why he chooses to bench Jurgen Klopp’s starlet.

As Wright says, Alexander-Arnold could be that special player needed to progress in the knockout stages of the competition, as one moment of sheer class could put the side through.