England manager Gareth Southgate has dropped a fresh claim about Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of tonight’s World Cup clash against Wales.
Taking to his pre-match press conference ahead of their final match of the group stage, the Three Lions boss spoke of why he chose not to play the 24-year-old against the United States.
“He [Alexander-Arnold] definitely could do it against a team that sits back,” Southgate said.
“But that’s not how I saw the game against the States. I don’t think they sat back at all. I think they were aggressive and athletic in their pressure.
“But he has some great quality with the ball and can do that, but Tripps [Kieran Trippier] has great quality as well.”
Alexander-Arnold is yet to feature for England out in Qatar, whilst Reds captain Jordan Henderson is expected to start against Wales later this evening.
Southgate speaks about Trent
The Three Lions manager has never been a huge fan of the Liverpool defender, and it doesn’t appear much has changed at the current World Cup.
Before the squad was even announced, the Scouser was not a guaranteed inclusion. Instead, it took an injury to Reece James and recovery doubts for Kyle Walker to see his name written on the Qatar squad list.
Although Trippier has been in fine form for Newcastle this season, he has been below his usual standards in an England shirt.
As a result, Alexander-Arnold should have been given an opportunity. He would have been the perfect player to bring on to attack that right-hand flank.
However, Walker is now expected to return to Southgate’s XI, pushing the Anfield man even further down the pecking order.
If the manager opts to use a back-five, there is no debate as to who should start at right wing-back: it has to be Alexander-Arnold.
Otherwise, it would be a real shame to see the England boss neglect one of his nation’s finest talents.
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