Southgate explains Alexander-Arnold omission as Liverpool man misses out on England squad

Gareth Southgate has explained his decision to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold out from his latest England squad for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.

which includes the likes of Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker.

Southgate is spoiled for choice in the right-back department and as a result, Alexander-Arnold didn’t make the cut this time.

Ben White is another notable omission from the England squad as he has been in fine form for Arsenal this season.

The England manager discussed why White and Alexander-Arnold didn’t make the cut this time around.

“It’s similar with Ben [White] and Trent [Alexander-Arnold] really, the three boys who are in as right full-backs we’ve got them just ahead of those two,” Southgate told reporters.

“We’re blessed in that position with the depth of talent. It’s the hardest position to pick, albeit it’s never straightforward criteria and it’s always shifting around a little bit on form as well.

“But Kyle [Walker] and Tripps [Trippier] were obviously the ones who played during the World Cup, started the games during the World Cup, have been consistent, and Reece coming back is another top player.

“We’ve love to have that depth in every position on the field.”

Alexander-Arnold’s form has been a hotly debated subject this season as Liverpool have struggled to find much consistency.

Given Liverpool’s struggles, Alexander-Arnold’s attacking output has reduced this season as he only has three goal contributions in the league this season.

“The problem they’ve got in that position is they’ve never really had real competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold. One of the reasons why is because he’s been so good,” Carragher told CBS Sports.

“But I think Liverpool are at the point now where they’ve got to go and buy a right-back. That’s Jurgen Klopp’s decision in terms of how good that right-back is, how much he costs.

“But that lad needs serious competition because he’s been playing now for five years at the top level, week in week out, with no rest.

“He’s won everything, he’s done absolutely fantastic, he’s won more than I could ever dream of and I’m so proud of him, a local lad coming through the ranks, but he needs help.

“He needs to have a long think at the end of the season about where he is as a right-back.”