Michael Owen has weighed in on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s World Cup hopes as the Liverpool defender continues to struggle for form.
The 23-year-old was selected by Gareth Southgate for England’s recent Nations League clashes with Italy and Germany but did not play a single minute for the Three Lions.
Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier have all been selected ahead of Alexander-Arnold, but Owen has now discussed whether he thinks the scouser will be on the plane to Qatar next month.
“Gareth Southgate has not made an immediate decision on Trent,” Owen explained (quoted by the Daily Mail). “If you look back over the last few years, he has chosen not to put it there, even though his performances for Liverpool probably warranted it.
READ MORE: Owen discusses Alexander-Arnold’s current form and explains how an ex-Rojo can exploit Liverpool’s ‘weakness’ in the Champions League
“Southgate tended to stick with Reece James, Kieran Trippier or Kyle Walker.
“Everyone can see how good Trent is. My gut feeling is that he will go to the World Cup, but I think Reece James will be the starting right back.”
Liverpool fans will admit that the Academy graduate hasn’t been at his best so far this campaign, but on his day he is undoubtedly one of the best full-backs in the world.
His immense passing and crossing ability sets him apart from many of the others, but he is experiencing a slow start to the season.
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He is not the only one in Jurgen Klopp’s team that has had problems in recent weeks with players like Virgil van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho all below average.
The likes of Trippier and Walker are better defenders than Alexander-Arnold, but most – including Southgate – will admit the Liverpool man is much more superior going forward.
Our No. 66 has yet to record an assist this season, which will surprise many.
You need to keep your head up, keep working hard and soon you will be back at your best; then it’s up to Southgate to make the decision on whether or not the scouser is headed to the World Cup.
Liverpool’s big problem may already have been resolved after Merson noted the international break advantage.
