Paul Merson has been talking about the current England squad and who should start in their first game against Iran at the World Cup in November.
Writing in his Sky Sports column, Merson suggested Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold should be the Three Lions’ right-back for the Iran match, but suggested Chelsea’s Reece James is a better player.
“Whatever happens, Alexander-Arnold must play in the first match,” the former Arsenal player said.
“I definitely don’t think he’s a better player than James in terms of being a complete player.
“But if you’re talking about a team like Iran that’s going to put 10 behind the ball and you need to take them down, Trent has to be on the team for that game.
“He’s the best passer in the country, in my opinion.”
Paul Merson wants to see Trent Alexander-Arnold start England’s World Cup opener against Iran… ???????? pic.twitter.com/O4bY4slSAG
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 21, 2022
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Right-back is a position where England have plenty of options and they have produced some incredible players for the role. There has been a lot of debate surrounding the area of ​​the pitch for some time now as Gareth Southgate has not put all his chips on one player.
Alexander-Arnold looks like the obvious choice, but his form of late will be a concern for the England boss.
James hasn’t been in top form for Chelsea either, but it should be noted that the 22-year-old wasn’t playing in his usual full-back role under Thomas Tuchel for the first part of the season.
Kieran Trippier, meanwhile, has excelled at Newcastle and was Southgate’s right-back during the last World Cup; so could the 32-year-old sneak in before the two young stars?
The problem Southgate has is a good one, but it’s a position and a decision that everyone in the country will be watching.
