Noel Whelan has explained why he can’t watch Trent Alexander-Arnold playing for England at the World Cup.
The Liverpool full-back was included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the tournament in Qatar, but has yet to play a minute during the Three Lions’ first two group games.
If the winners of the 1966 tournament avoid a 4-0 loss to Wales on Tuesday, they will advance to the last 16, but the former Leeds striker believes the Reds star is the third choice in his position.
“I think he will have problems with the competition for places,” the pundit told Football Insider.
“You have Kyle Walker, who is firmly ahead of him in the pecking order when he’s on form.
“You also have Kieran Trippier at the moment, and he’s in better shape than Trent.”
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Much has been made of Scouser’s defensive performances for the FA Cup champions this season, but with the attacking threat offered by the 24-year-old, it means he is a real weapon for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Academy graduate has redefined the right-back position in recent years and it’s quite bewildering how Southgate consistently leaves him on the bench.
Whelan believes the England boss will remain consistent with his team selection in the Middle East.
He added: “I think you are going to see a very established side of Gareth Southgate. The key to winning cup competitions is to maintain that momentum.
“When you start to itch and change, that’s when you get itchy. History tells you that the settled factions go further.
“It may be that Trent doesn’t get any playing time.”
The Three Lions drew to a scoreless draw against the USA on Friday night and it was a game that cried out for some creativity.
The Americans may not have really worried the defense, but the performance going forward was lackluster and it was surprising that the likes of Phil Foden and Alexander-Arnold were ignored.
It would be disconcerting but also frustrating if our No. 66 didn’t play a single minute in the tournament.
The rest of Klopp’s non-Qatar squad heads to Dubai next month for warm-weather training and to compete in friendlies against Lyon and AC Milan to ensure that when domestic football returns on December 22 are at the tip. top condition.
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