Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has claimed that Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold could play for Brazil.
Months of speculation were ended yesterday as the Liverpool man was named in England’s World Cup squad. And speaking to The Telegraph, Carlos clearly agrees with the decision.
“He has to be there – because he’s among the best ones,” said the Brazilian. “Kane is a good player too. You have a good team, not just in terms of names but in terms of players who have trained well and are ready to play at a World Cup – or to play for the Brazilian national team. I’d say those two [Kane and Alexander-Arnold], but there are more. There’s a lot of quality. You have a lot of quality.”
First, Trent should focus on getting in the England team. He still has to convince Gareth Southgate of his quality it seems.
But you can’t help but feel that in any other national team, or maybe simply under any other manager, he’d be a regular starter.
Trent eyeing England starting spot
Assessing Alexnader-Arnold’s chances of starting for England in Qatar are tricky at present. His odds have been given a boost due to Reece James’ unfortunate injury ahead of the tournament.
There is also doubt as to whether Kyle Walker will be ready in time. The Manchester City man hasn’t played for over a month but was included in yesterday’s squad.
If he’s somewhere close to full fitness, then Walker plays. He’s one of Southgate’s favourites and can also do a job on the right of a back three.
Assuming that’s where the City man is pencilled in to start, it looks like being a straight fight between Kieran Trippier and Trent. In that respect, Alexander-Arnold’s chances are improved further in that Southgate hasn’t selected a back-up left-back to Luke Shaw.
It’s expected that Trippier will fill that role, or possibly even start ahead of the Manchester United full-back.
Arsenal’s Ben White is also in the mix, but with just four England caps, he’s a more junior option than Liverpool’s No.66.
So, considering all that, you’d have to conclude that Alexander-Arnold’s chances are considerably better than they once were. However, the fact that there’s even any debate will leave many, including Carlos, scratching their heads.
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