Perhaps it is the fact he did not sing the national anthem before a Nations League game earlier this year. Perhaps it the fact that some Liverpool fans make no secret of valuing their club far more than the England national team.
But Trent Alexander-Arnold has once again rubbished suggestions that the Three Lions are not important for him after Gareth Southgate named him in his squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
The 24-year-old, already the proud owner of 17 caps for his country, took part in the tournament in Brazil four-and-a-half years ago but missed Euro 2020 due to injury. He has only made one England appearance in 2022, lining up as right wing-back in a 1-0 defeat by Hungary in June.
It was before this game, which took place during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend, when Alexander-Arnold was seen not signing the national anthem ahead of kick-off. One member of the press viewed this as a topic which warranted being put to Southgate in a press conference after the match.
The Three Lions manager quickly defused a situation which had already been blown out of proportion on social media. Asked whether he had an issue with Alexander-Arnold's actions, he replied: "No, I don't think Gary Neville ever sang it [the national anthem]. It must be a right-back thing."
Nonetheless, some fans have used the episode as ammunition to fuel the agenda that Alexander-Arnold would rather be playing for Liverpool than his country. The player himself poured cold water on such suggestions while on England duty in September 2021, saying. "You get a lot more games for your club and most of your time is spent at your club so, of course, you have that affiliation and those strong feelings.
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"But now I'm here, I have the same feelings. Right now, I'm not thinking about what’s happening at the club. I'm thinking about what I can do to get into this team, what am I going to do if I get the opportunity to play, things like that. I'm with England now and I'm trying to bring the best out of myself."
After a turbulent start to the season with Liverpool which has showcased his brilliance on the front foot and vulnerability while defending, the spotlight will be on Alexander-Arnold whenever Southgate calls on him in Qatar.
Regardless of the noise around him over the last 18 months or so, Jurgen Klopp confirmed his homegrown talent "was very pleased" about his England call-up while speaking in his press conference on Friday. And regardless of whether he sings God Save the King in the Middle East this winter, Alexander-Arnold will continue to show just how important wearing Three Lions on his chest is to him.
