‘Questions marks’ over Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool quotes emerge via Sky – expert
Alan Hutton has claimed England manager Gareth Southgate has “question marks” over Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability to defend.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa right back said Southgate’s other options are “better” than the 23-year-old.
Alexander-Arnold was left out of England’s matchday squad to face Germany on Monday (26 September).
Kieran Trippier made the bench ahead of the Reds defender.
As quoted by Sky Sports (28 September), Southgate said he feels Trippier’s “all round game” is ahead of Trent’s.
Hutton insisted there is still a chance he could make the World Cup squad.
“I think first and foremost you have to look at the quality that they have,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s not like he’s just decided I don’t like you and I’m not playing you’. There’s outstanding players that are already there. If you look at the ones like Trippier, he can play multiple positions, Kyle Walker can play multiple positions, Reece James. Maybe he feels that Trent’s only got that one attacking threat and the other defensive options are better.
“It’s quite as simple as that. He just believes that his options at this moment in time are better. That’s not to say that Trent can’t kick on and go and play well for the rest of the season and not get in the World Cup squad. It’s obviously possible, he is a great player.
“Gareth Southgate was a defender, so it’s probably one of the main thing he looks for in a defender – can he defend 1v1 and that’s maybe where there’s question marks over Trent.“
In other news, Liverpool have been tipped to beat Man City to Jude Bellingham after Merseyside journalist’s reveal.