Gareth Southgate has explained why he has not included Trent Alexander-Arnold in his latest England squad.
The England manager has named a 25-man squad for his side's first games since being beaten by France in the World Cup quarter-final in December. The Three Lions are set to face Italy and Ukraine later this month.
However, Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold has been omitted from the party, with Southgate opting to select Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier instead.
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And asked to explains the omissions of Alexander-Arnold, Ben White and Raheem Sterling, Southgate said: “Raheem is not fit, so that's that one, with Ben and Trent, we have three boys in at right full-backs and we have got them just ahead of those two.
“We're blessed in that position with depth of talent. It is the hardest position to pick."
Before Southgate added: "It is never straightforward criteria and it is always shifting around on form.
“Kyle and Tripps started games at the World Cup and Reece coming back is another top player so, yes, we would love to have that depth in every position on the field really."
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