Trent Alexander-Arnold has told ITV Sport that his form in an England shirt “could be a lot better” as the Liverpool star prepares for his country’s World Cup opener against Iran in Qatar on Monday afternoon, at the Khalifa Stadium.
The 24-year-old will be hoping he is in line to win his 18th England cap as Gareth Southgate’s side get their tournament underway. But the Liverpool ace is likely to be on the bench. Kieran Trippier looks as if he will get the nod.
While the Reds academy product continues to earn enormous praise for his attacking quality, his defensive form remains under the microscope. He has a huge 77 goal involvements in 242 games for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side.
But his form as a defender is under a magnifying glass. So much so, that Southgate did not pick him for the Euro 2020 squad. Now, he is in the team – but he himself admits his form for England could be a whole lot better, ahead of Iran.
“It’s probably not the best football I’ve ever played, but probably not the worst either. Somewhere in the middle that is not amazing, but not the worst really. It could be a lot better. No [not to the level I expect],” Alexander-Arnold said.
Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold on form in an England shirt
The way Alexander-Arnold plays football, as a right-back, does not suit Southgate’s approach to international football. Indeed, international football is much more pragmatic than the range of styles seen at club level. Defence, first.
Alexander-Arnold is not that, as such. But, he is a top-quality player and still only 24, he has the capacity to be able to add that to his game. In a three-man defence with wing-backs, he is able to make it work. But Trippier is first choice.
What could see Alexander-Arnold begin to play more often and start regularly for England is a positional change. One some fans, and Gary Lineker, have been calling out for – to move the England star into midfield. One for future, maybe.
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