Gary Neville claims Trent Alexander-Arnold SHOULDN’T be part of England’s World Cup squad
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‘Can’t see how Gareth Southgate could go into a knockout match with Trent… he looked like he could cost Liverpool dearly’: Gary Neville insists Alexander-Arnold should NOT make a World Cup squad after fighting against the Spurs
- Neville made the claim after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday
- Alexander-Arnold came under severe defensive pressure throughout the game
- The Liverpool fullback was unable to handle a number of attacks down the wing
- Neville Suggested He Isn’t Reliable Enough For Big ‘Moments’ For England
Gary Neville has claimed Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold could miss England’s World Cup squad because of his ‘hasty’ defence.
The England international starred in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday, but was criticized after he nearly got a penalty for a push in the back on Ryan Sessegnon.
And as pundits analyzed the fullback’s performance in north London, Neville suggested that Alexander-Arnold could cost England ‘dear’ in Qatar if he were selected to play.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s place in England’s World Cup squad has been under intense debate
Gary Neville suggested the fullback’s defensive style is too ‘rushed’ for England campaign
After the match on Sky Sports, Neville said: “His genius in the future is out of this world, but we are talking about knockout football and it comes down to a moment.
“I can’t see how Gareth Southgate would play a World Cup knockout match against Trent. I want him to be the best right-back of all time because he has that ability, but sometimes it seems like he costs Liverpool dearly.
“He does things hastily and I think he will give away a penalty in a World Cup. I don’t think Gareth will trust him in a knockout match and he already has four brilliant right-backs.”
Alexander-Arnold was tested during Liverpool’s trip to Tottenham and nearly cost the Reds when he backed Spurs’ Sessegnon, but officials said no decision should be made.
The fullback nearly gave away a penalty after seemingly hindering Ryan Sessegnon
Gareth Southgate will travel with his England squad for the World Cup in two weeks
To counter this, Jamie Redknapp argued that Alexander-Arnold’s offensive prowess was too good to overlook for England’s World Cup campaign.
Redknapp said: ‘The downside is that you have a player who can produce genius. Gareth did a great job, but I don’t see how we can afford not to take a player with that genius.
‘We are obsessed with right-backs, we won 20 for the European Championship! We don’t need them all, we need to see who can win you a game. I understand Trent is not in great shape, there were times today when he was in the dryer.”
There have been times recently when the England international has been used in a right midfield position – slightly ahead of his traditional full-back position – due to his impressive long-range passing.
Alexander-Arnold’s ‘genius’ play is a reason to take him, according to Redknapp
Ultimately, Alexander-Arnold’s defensive concerns were not the cause of Liverpool, as they won 2-1 that night.
Mohamed Salah picked up a brace after finishing a clean early on, before later benefiting from a mistake by Eric Dier in the back.
Harry Kane pulled one back for the hosts but it was too little too late for Antonio Conte’s side as they couldn’t keep up with the other teams in the top four.
Redknapp (center right) suggested Alexander-Arnold was better than other options