Paul Merson explains shock Reece James World Cup snub…

Paul Merson explains shock Reece James World Cup snub amid Trent Alexander-Arnold England battle

Since Reece James' England debut in 2020, the right-back has played 13 times for his country and has played in over half of the games he's been available for.

The 22-year-old has arguably been Chelsea's best player this season and excels in both right wingback and fullback as well as being a useful right-sided centre-back option. He can fill in in midfield as well if needed.

His form has been excellent ever since Thomas Tuchel was appointed as manager in January 2021, with the most impressive period being his pre and post-injury spells last season. James has started this campaign where he left off too.

Despite this, Paul Merson has gone with a different choice to be in Gareth Southgate's starting squad for the winter World Cup opener on November 21 against Iran.

“Whatever happens, [Trent] Alexander-Arnold must play in the opener," Merson said. The Liverpool fullback has started the season poorly for his club side and has only played six times for his country since James' debut. Although Kieran Trippier has also been used on the right and Kyle Walker has provided an extra option at fullback and occasionally wingback, James has gotten the nod more consistently for Southgate.

This doesn't bother Merson though and he's set on Alexander-Arnold anyway. The former Arsenal player told Sky Sports: "I definitely don’t think he’s a better player than James in terms of being an all-round player. But if you’re talking about a team like Iran who are going to put 10 behind the ball and you need to break them down, Trent has to be in the team for that game.”

There is logic to the decision given Alexander-Arnold's attacking threat, but James has so far outperformed his counterpart in the attacking sentiment this season too. James has scored one goal with one assist where Alexander-Arnold, for all his crossing ability, has only scored once without assisting yet, and that goal came in a 9-0 win.

Merson did pick Mason Mount in his team though, including the out of form Chelsea star in a midfield three alongside Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham.

Part of the competition James faces will depend on the formation chosen by Southgate, in a back four, the system Alexander-Arnold prefers, both players are fighting against Walker whilst at wingback James is the most natural option.

James only played one game at Euro 2020 last summer whilst Alexander-Arnold did not make the squad due to injury.