Pundit hits out after new twist in Trent Alexander-Arnold controversy at Liverpool
Noel Whelan has insisted Gareth Southgate was right to leave Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the England side for games against Italy and Germany.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Chelsea star Reece James is a “better right wing-back” than the 23-year-old.
Alexander-Arnold was named in Southgate’s latest England squad but failed to get off the bench against Italy (23 September) – and was controversially omitted from the matchday squad for Monday’s draw against Germany (26 September).
Three Lions icon Gary Lineker hit out at the England boss on Twitter (23 September), claiming the Liverpool right-back is “England’s most creative footballer”.
Alexander-Arnold has started each of the Reds’ eight games this term but has been the subject of much derision because of his defensive displays.
Whelan claimed it is “very easy to look back with hindsight” after England’s disappointing results in recent games.
He insisted James’ “one-on-one” defending sets him apart from Alexander-Arnold.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Reece James is a better right wing-back.
“He’s been exceptional for Chelsea, he’s been brilliant in the last couple of seasons. His one-on-one defending is better than Trent’s – and that’s where Gareth is coming from.
“Looking at every aspect, James has got everything you need.
“It’s very easy to look back with hindsight and say ‘well he should have played’ – that’s an easy thing to do.
“Gary knows himself that there has been times where his team have lost and people are looking to other options on the bench.
“That England team is full of quality players who would walk into most European teams in an instant.“
“It’s not about the players – it’s just England can’t do it on the night at the moment.”
In other news, pundit backs Liverpool to “start planning” after new Mohamed Salah development.