Gary Neville believes Gareth Southgate's decision to select Kieran Trippier ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold at the World Cup will have 'hit home' for the Liverpool full-back. The Newcastle United defender started the first two Group B fixtures for England in Qatar, before Kyle Walker returned to the team following an injury lay-off.
Trippier has excelled since returning to the Premier League following a successful spell with Atletico Madrid. The 32-year-old has played a key part in the Magpies defence which is currently the best in the division, while providing a constant attacking threat from set-pieces and wide areas.
In contrast, Alexander-Arnold's form has come under scrutiny following Liverpool's slow start to the season. Southgate confirmed ahead of the World Cup that Trippier was 'ahead' of his 24-year-old counterpart when it came down to his 'all-round game'.
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Neville insists Trippier is a 'really good full-back', but believes the England manager's decision will have given Alexander-Arnold food for thought. The Sky Sports pundit reckons the Liverpool defender needs to be more 'serious' about his defending, but saw encouraging signs in a 'bright' display as the Reds beat Leicester City on Friday night.
Neville told Sky Sports: "He's got to be the attack for Liverpool at the top of the league, and has been for four or five years with Robertson. I know they've had Salah, Mane, and Firmino who have been outstanding, but the creation of goals has come from those two full-backs.
"What they've delivered has been absolutely out of this world. I couldn't speak more highly about them in terms of what they've done, but I have said for two or three years there will come a point with Trent Alexander-Arnold where if he doesn't attend to his defensive work, it will start to harm him.
"I think Kieran Trippier is a really good full-back, but I think Trent Alexander-Arnold watching Kieran Trippier be selected in front of him in a World Cup game will have hit home. People will say well is that Gareth Southgate being more pragmatic?
"No, I think generally if a team has not got as much possession and is not in good form like Liverpool haven't been in parts of this season, it will then be highlighted more, your defensive mistakes. That will happen during his career, whether he's playing for Liverpool or England, when they're not in as dominant form.
"He is going to be expected to defend better. I think it's about being more serious about your defending. Tonight, you've seen him getting low and looking bright in his work."
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