Liverpool news: Trent Alexander-Arnold set for new axe – ‘that’s when you get stung’ says Whelan
Noel Whelan has suggested Liverpool and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold could return from the World Cup without making a single appearance.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested counterparts Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier are well ahead of the 24-year-old in the Three Lions reckoning.
England played out a dour 0-0 draw against the USA on Friday (25 November) – with some fans calling for Alexander-Arnold to be introduced after a blunt attacking display.
The defender is part of England’s 26-man squad at the World Cup in Qatar but is yet to play a single minute across two group games.
Man City right-back Walker, who last played on 2 October, has declared himself fit again after undergoing surgery just weeks before the tournament.
Trippier has started and played the full 90 minutes in the first two group games ahead of England’s clash with Wales on Tuesday (29 November).
Whelan suggested a “very settled side” could be the key to the Three Lions’ progress in the competition.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he’s gonna struggle with the competition for places.
“You’ve got Kyle Walker, who is firmly in front of him in the pecking order when he’s fit.
“You’ve got Kieran Trippier out there at the moment, as well – and he’s in better form than Trent.
“I think you’re going to see a very settled side from Gareth Southgate. The key to winning cup competitions is keeping that momentum going.
“When you start chopping and changing, that’s when you get stung. History tells you that settled sides go the furthest.
“It might be that Trent doesn’t get any game time at all.”
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