Liverpool stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson will definitely be in England’s World Cup squad.
That’s according to Sky reporter Rob Dorsett. Speaking via Football Daily, Dorsett claimed that both Liverpool players are ‘definite’ to be in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
“There are 20 ‘definites’ for Gareth Southgate’s squad of 26. That means there are 6 places up for grabs and a lot more players that are hoping to get into that squad. Let me run through the definites for you really quickly,” said the reporter.
Included in Dorsett’s list were the two Reds players. Although there was, unsurprisingly, no place for Joe Gomez. The centre-back is perhaps still one of those with an outside shot at a call-up, though.
Southgate will announce his squad at 2pm today.
Liverpool players look for England turnaround
This is obviously good news for both Henderson and Alexander-Arnold. Although they are key players for Liverpool, they’ve been a little marginalised by England for different reasons.
Henderson will be desperate to convince Southgate he deserves his starting spot back. The Reds captain wasn’t fully fit during the European Championships last year, and only played a bit-part as a result.
Following the tournament, fitness issues have largely meant that he’s no longer in England’s starting XI.
As for Trent, his struggles with the national team are well-publicised. Unlike Henderson, he has never been able to fully convince Southgate of his class.
Had this squad been announced even a month ago, you get the feeling that Alexander-Arnold might not have been in it.
Injuries to Reece James and Kyle Walker have likely helped his cause though, and he could even start in Qatar.
That would be a welcome turnaround for Trent, who missed last summer’s Euros with a thigh injury. Although some Liverpool fans would prefer to see him stay at home for the tournament, it clearly means a lot to the player himself.
Best of luck in Qatar then, lads! Come back healthy. And fingers crossed that Gomez might have just done enough as well.
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