Liverpool are baffled by Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the England squad, according to reports.
On Thursday Southgate announced his Three Lions squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers at the end of this month against San Marino, Albania and Poland – but chose to leave wing-back out of his squad.
England are particularly blessed in that position with Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James preferred this particular time.
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Alexander-Arnold has found some form over the past month after he and Liverpool had been struggling to find their feet this season.
But Southgate chose to leave him out as the England boss said that he’s not at the same level as previous years.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Southgate said: “In some areas of the pitch, we have incredible competition for places.
“I don’t think he has played to the level he found in the last couple of years but I think he is getting close to that now. He has taken steps in the right direction.
“I have made that same call to Kyle [Walker] and Kieran [Trippier] in the past and their response was a good one. I am certain Trent will play a big part in the future.”
And The Athletic claim that ‘news of Alexander-Arnold’s omission from the England squad was greeted with a sense of shock and bemusement at Liverpool’.
The report adds that the 22-year-old was ‘given time off this week on the assumption he would be representing his country’ but the report suggests many Reds fans will be pleased to see him left out as they won’t want to risk another injury to a key player.
It is said that there will be ‘no celebrating from Jurgen Klopp’ and that the German boss will be tasked with picking up Alexander-Arnold’s ‘chin off the floor’.
The Athletic continued:
‘The Liverpool manager regards the 22-year-old as being one of Liverpool’s standout performers since December. He has shown leadership during a difficult period for an injury-ravaged team and has adjusted to a changing role as a result of the makeshift defensive partnerships alongside him.’
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