Michael Owen is confident Trent Alexander-Arnold will go to the World Cup — but only as back-up.
The Liverpool star’s inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for Qatar has been the subject of much debate, especially since he was left out of the 23-man squad to face Germany recently.
Southgate has preferred Reece James and Kieran Trippier as right-backs and right wing-backs, with Kyle Walker - who faces a fight to be fit for the World Cup - able to operate on the right of a back three or provide cover for those two.
Taking four right-backs to a tournament would certainly not be the norm and, for some, as good as Alexander-Arnold is going forward, there is something lacking from his game defensively at the elite level.
But, even so, ex-Anfield star Owen is convinced Alexander-Arnold, who scored a cracking free-kick against Rangers in the Champions League on Tuesday to underline the attacking threat he possesses, will be on the plane.
Owen said: “He should go to the World Cup.
“From the outside, it’s no great revelation that I’m not sure Gareth thinks of him what some people think of him.
“I know some people think of him as an absolutely top, world-class player, but Gareth, right from the start, it’s not a new thing, has always had that right-back position with Reece James and Kyle Walker, depending on the system.
“So I don’t think he will be a starter but I do think he will go.
“Just to have someone come on with his wand of a right foot and especially because the squad contains big numbers, you can have cover in every position.
“Him and Reece James as two right-backs would be awesome and then obviously Walker can cover there or play as a right centre-half depending on the formation.
“Trippier was used at Euro 2020 as a left-back and that could be something that would continue with a question marks over our left-backs at the moment.
“So I think he will go but I don’t think he will be a starter in the main games.”
