Gareth Southgate believes Kieran Trippier’s overall game is superior to that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, as he explained the pecking order for England’s right-back options.
Alexander-Arnold was left out of the squad for the 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley, England’s final match before the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
It was not necessarily a surprising decision, with Southgate often turning to Trippier and Kyle Walker while it is also clear the England boss prefers Reece James at wing-back to Alexander-Arnold.
The Liverpool star has never been a regular under Southgate and his place in the World Cup squad looks in serious doubt, after it was made clear that he is currently fourth choice.
“I’ve had long conversations with all of them,” Southgate said.
“The other night [against Italy], we didn’t need the left-back cover. Against Germany we did because of the way we went with the team so we needed Chilly [Ben Chilwell] on the bench and we had Kieran who, at the moment, I feel his all-round game is ahead [of Alexander-Arnold].”
The decision to stick with Harry Maguire has attracted just as much attention, if not more after the centre-back was at fault for two of Germany’s goals at Wembley.
Maguire started the first two games of the season for Manchester United but has played just ten minutes of Premier League football since then, though that has not stopped Southgate from continuing to put his trust in him.
“I know everybody says he’s important to me, he’s important to us,” Southgate said. “It’s us, it’s not me.
“Why do we pick him? Because he’s one of the players who gives us the best chance of winning.
“So, really, we should all be wanting a Harry Maguire that’s playing regularly and playing with confidence.
“That applies to, of course, quite a few players but he’s the one that everything lands on, which must be a tough space for him, really, but he’s showing tremendous character.”
