Trent Alexander-Arnold has been signed by England manager Gareth Southgate for this month’s Nations League matches amid scrutiny over his form at Liverpool.
Southgate have named a 28-man squad for the upcoming clashes with Italy (September 23) and Germany (September 26), with a distinct lack of Liverpool players in attendance.
With Jordan Henderson injured, James Milner retired and the likes of Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out of favor, there is only one representative from Anfield this time around.
That’s Alexander-Arnold, who has endured widespread criticism for his defensive efforts so far this season as Liverpool have struggled to maintain form.
The right-back has certainly warranted scrutiny over his role, though it’s doubtful he can be blamed as heavily as he has in some quarters.
Southgate has never been entirely sold on Alexander-Arnold, who has struggled to maintain a regular role for his country despite his status as one of the best right-backs in the world, but the England manager has kept the faith for September.
Elsewhere in the England squad there is a first call-up for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, while Eric Dier is back for the Three Lions.
Man United striker Marcus Rashford is among those left out, while Harvey Elliott has no place despite suggestions he could be included.
England call for matches in Italy and Germany
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Nottingham Forest, on loan from Manchester United), Nick Pope (Newcastle), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Everton, on loan from Wolves), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United) ), Luke Shaw (Man United), John Stones (Man City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Man City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Dortmund), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Man City), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Roma), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Ivan Toney ( Brentford)
