Gary Neville believes Trent Alexander-Arnold will not play in a knockout game for England at the World Cup
Manchester United icon Gary Neville believes Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold will not start for England at the World Cup in the right-back spot. However, the former Three Lions defender feels the 24-year-old could feature at right wing-back.
The Reds academy graduate has made it to the 26-man squad of Gareth Southgate’s team that will fly to Qatar. And he will have to challenge the likes of Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier to get into the starting lineup.
Speaking on Sky Sports (h/t Express), Neville does not see Alexander-Arnold getting ahead of the competition in the pecking order. And the ex-Red Devil thinks that the 24-year-old would not get into the England team at the right-back spot.
“Playing him as a right wing-back gives you the opportunity to get him into the team. You’d never play him at right-back, I don’t think, in a knockout game for England.
“In a knockout game, I don’t think he’ll play in a knockout game. I think on that right-hand side I think Trippier and Walker will come in for White and Alexander-Arnold as the teams change who they play against.”
Alexander-Arnold has had a meteoric rise with Liverpool over the years. He has won all the major trophies. The 24-year-old was crucial in ending our Premier League title drought and winning the Champions League.
The right-back has built up a pedigree of being one of the most creative players in world football. From his defensive position, the English national has posted impressive numbers with his goals and assists.
However, while Alexander-Arnold is a quality player, he leaves a lot to be desired defensively. The 24-year-old has come under the cosh this season for his performances with the Reds.
The Merseysiders have had a tough start to the 2022/23 campaign. Most of our players have underperformed in the league, leading us to be 15 points behind table-toppers Arsenal ahead of the World Cup break.
Our first-choice right-back has invited criticism for his lethargic displays. Defensively on occasions, the English national does not seem to be switched on. And some fans have been frustrated with his lapses in the backline.
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Even when Alexander-Arnold was delivering week in, week out for Liverpool, Southgate did not fancy him. Thus, it will evidently be difficult for the right-back to get into the English gaffer’s plans considering his current form.
