Phil Thompson says Gareth Southgate's decision to snub Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold wasn't a big shock after he wasn't selected for this month's internationals.
The Reds full-back was omitted from the England squad as they kickstarted their qualification campaign for Euro 2024 against Italy and Ukraine. He has 18 caps for the national team but hasn't started since their 1-0 defeat to Hungary in April 2022.
Alexander-Arnold has previously been in the Three Lions set-up but hasn't managed to land a starting berth with the national side. He has been in a constant battle for the full-back spot with Chelsea's Reece James and Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier.
READ MORE: It's about time Liverpool's rivals faced the truth about their obsession with Steven Gerrard
He flew with England to the World Cup last year but made just one appearance via the bench during their route to the quarter-finals.
This season the 24-year-old has come under fire for performances in what has been an indifferent campaign for Jurgen Klopp's side.
The Three Lions got off to a winning start during the international break after holding on to beat Roberto Mancini's side following a second-half red card for Luke Shaw. Thompson, who won the Champions League three times during his time with Anfield, says the decision from the England boss "wasn't a big shock".
"I’m not really surprised about Trent being omitted from the squad," said Thompson speaking to the Daily Star. "Reece James was fit, along with Kieran Trippier.
"James had returned back from a long-term injury and Trippier is coming back into a bit of form. Trent hasn't been great since the World Cup - his absence wasn't a big shock really."
READ NEXT:
- Marcel Desailly's 'eyes light up' when he watches Liverpool man whose 'time is now'
- 'What an impressive young man' - Liverpool attacker spotted at local non-league match
- 'Making me believe' - Jude Bellingham sends Liverpool fans into a frenzy with latest Instagram post
- Curtis Jones shines with brilliant goal and assist as Andy Robertson sends reminder
- 'There you go' - Steven Gerrard fires brutal message to Celtic fans after Liverpool Legends game
