Writing in his column for The Times, Adam Lallana has been discussing the England squad composition and some of the fringe players within the team.
As with any international tournament, there are some players who don’t have much of a part to play in this England set-up, and sadly, somehow, Trent Alexander-Arnold has fit into that category.
The Liverpool star seems to be the firm third-choice right-back at this tournament, despite being arguably the best full-back in the world, and one would imagine he wouldn’t be too happy about this situation.
However, Lallana seems to believe that Alexander-Arnold isn’t sulking about his predicament, stating that his body language when he came off the bench against Wales was incredible and that this was a massive sign of the feeling within the England camp right now.
Alexander-Arnold not sulking
Lallana discussed the Liverpool man’s reaction to being subbed on.
“Alexander-Arnold is rightly lauded as one of the best full backs in the world, but he must have, justifiably, felt like he was fourth choice with England recently,” Lallana wrote.
“Yet, his body language when he came on was incredible. There was no sign of sulking, that he didn’t want to be there or that he feels he is just making up the numbers.
“The way he defended, the way he presented himself and the way he intercepted was immaculate. He cushioned one ball out of the air which showed me he was on it.
“I thought that was a massive sign of how things are in the squad. Competition, and the opportunity out there, is driving standards up and up.”
Team player
Alexander-Arnold would have every right to be annoyed about not getting much of a game at the World Cup, but he realises that this cause is a lot bigger than just him.
Yes, he’d like to be playing, but he’d much prefer to have a World Cup winners’ medal around his neck in two weeks’ time, and the best way to help his team is by being a team player.
He could sit around all day and sulk, but that would only bring the mood in the dressing room down, and that’s the last thing England need right now.
Alexander-Arnold may not be starting every game, but he’s playing his part at this World Cup.
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