Ashley Cole told ITV Sport that Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to ‘find it difficult’ getting into the England squad now.
The former left-back thinks it’s a ‘sad’ situation but made it clear that’s what happens when you have a ‘dip in form at the ‘wrong time’.
Perhaps to the surprise of some, Alexander-Arnold was left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad that will be preparing to take on Poland tomorrow, with Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier all picked ahead of him.
Whilst months still remain for Southgate to select his final 23 for the Euros, Cole stated in a blunt manner that he cannot see TAA getting his plane ticket.
On whether TAA will find it difficult breaking into the squad now: “I think on form, and with the full-backs on show, I would say, yes,” said Cole. “You have Trippier, Kyle Walker and the emergence of Reece James.
“So, I think Trent’s going to find it difficult to get into this squad. It’s sad, but it’s one of them things that you have a dip in form, at the wrong time, Reece James is starting to play well, Trippier’s adaptable, (but) now I think Trent’s going to find it difficult to make it.”
The plus for Alexander-Arnold is that he’s away from the international limelight and at less risk of injury.
That’s been an unfortunate theme for Liverpool and their supporters this season.
But with TAA away from England duty, at least with this current break, he will be raring to go and with a point to prove during these crucial final months for his boyhood club.
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