England are blessed to have some very good players, but how many of those are actually in the world- class category?
Trent Alexander-Arnold is a player that has been vital for Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp, and that doesn’t happen if you are an average player. The right-back has won every club trophy available by the age of 23, and he continues to lead the Reds in their quest for more. In fact, new UK betting websites are placing Liverpool as one of the favourites for all competitions this season.
However, Alexander-Arnold finds himself on the periphery of Gareth Southgate’s plans for England, and one question looms here: Is the England manager making a costly mistake by leaving Trent out? Let’s take a closer look at why the Liverpool full-back must be in the England squad for the upcoming world cup.
Also Read – What Makes Trent Alexander Arnold The best Right-Back In The World
England Need to be Brave
Long gone are the days when just sitting back and playing careful football can get you anything. Not that England has won a tournament with those tactics, but prior to Southgate’s appointment, England were known for playing defensive football with tall strikers and full-backs who were just sitting back.
They cannot make the same mistakes again, and they are blessed to have players that can help them go a step further. Trent Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best passer of the England squad, and for the national team to have a chance of winning the World Cup against teams like Brazil, Argentina and co. they need to be brave. Trent can give them that x-factor in crucial games in the tournament.
Trent and Reece James Can Play Together
There are plenty of predictions for England’s squad for the World Cup, but one dilemma dominates – should Reece James or Trent Alexander-Arnold be called?
Reece James is known as one of the finest right-backs in England, but not many know that he also has experience playing in a back three. He did play in such as system many times in Chelsea, and with great success too.
So, even if people are unsure about Trent’s defensive quality, Southgate can choose to include both James’ stability and Trent’s attacking power in the starting 11. He can do so by making sure England are protected against good teams with 3 in the back, and James will be one of the three. This formation would give Trent much more freedom to express himself going forward.
Trent’s Abilities Outnumber his Flaws
As mentioned above, Trent would not be anywhere near the starting 11 for Liverpool, let alone being an integral part of one of the most successful teams in the world if he wasn’t world-class.
People are quick to point to Trent’s flaws in defending, but we see that as trying to blame Messi for his inability to score headers and win aerial duels. Trent is what a modern full-back should look like, and Southgate’s inability to harness his potential speaks more about the manager rather than the player.
Jurgen Klopp has won everything to be won in Liverpool and one of the reasons he did so was his team’s defensive ability. Alexander-Arnold is part of that defence, and that is all we will just say.
England Have Nothing to Lose
Well, England are not among the favourites for the World Cup, despite reaching the final of Euro 2020. It is obvious, there are better nations than them competing for the World Cup trophy, so England face a near-impossible task.
They are not helped by the form leading to the World Cup, as England head to Qatar in the worst form of all teams.
One of the very first things we mentioned here is that England will not win anything if they just sit back and be careful. Teams like Brazil will have a field day against such nations, and it is about time England make a step forward and be a modern-looking football team. That is possible if Southgate calls up players who can excite the fans and bring something extra to the squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the rare players in the England squad who can make fans stand on the edge of their seats, so there shouldn’t really be a dilemma.
