Dominic King has questioned Gareth Southgate’s decision-making after leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his squad to face Germany.
The reporter called the public relations disaster that followed “a calamity” as the England boss came under heavy criticism, relying on Chelsea’s Reece James at right back.
“If Southgate had no intention of playing Alexander-Arnold against Italy or Germany, why choose him? If his name had not been in the selected squad on September 15, his performances with Liverpool could have been brought forward, ”the journalist wrote for the Daily Mail.
“Many would not have agreed, given the 23-year-old’s ability, but it could at least have been taken into account before the games started.
“This, on the other hand, is a call that borders on the absurd.
“From a public relations point of view for the FA, it is a calamity. Why was it made public 11 hours before kick-off, allowing it to dominate social media, TV channels, radio stations and any interview with Southgate?
With much of the criticism surrounding Liverpool’s number 66 revolving around his defensive shortcomings, another poor showing from the Three Lions backline (due in no small part to the efforts of Harry Maguire in particular) was hardly vindicated. the absence of the 23-year-old. back.
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Although our rivals are quick to use him as one more stick with which to beat the youth squad, the truth is that the full-back is, in his day, one of the main options in his position in world football.
We would argue that much of the concern over his defensive contributions would be addressed by the return of a more balanced midfield trio, a goal Jordan Henderson should be more than capable of helping Jurgen Klopp’s men achieve.
EOTK Insider Opinion: Trent will never win for England as long as Gareth Southgate is manager
