Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan with Tino Livramento and Djed Spence preferred
Steven Gerrard
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard believes Trent Alexander-Arnold offers something different for England(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has expressed surprise at Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission from England's squad for the upcoming international break. The Real Madrid star was overlooked in Thomas Tuchel's 35-man selection for the friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan.
Tino Livramento and Djed Spence were chosen as England's right-backs, with Reece James sidelined due to injury. Former Liverpool ace Alexander-Arnold hasn't represented his country since the 1-0 victory over Andorra in June.
On Saturday, when questioned about the right-back's absence, Anfield favourite Gerrard stated his belief that Alexander-Arnold is more than capable of playing. "Very much so," he responded when asked if Tuchel's decision had taken him aback.
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"Listen, we've got some good options at right-back, Reece James is world class, I really like Livramento, I know he's had a couple of injuries but he can play both sides. I understand the selection, but I just think, 'is Trent among the best 35 players in this country?' Of course he is.
"There's going to be certain games where England have to open the door, they might be against a low block where it's really frustrating and Trent is one of these players who can come off the bench and just completely change the game with one pass, he's that level of a player."
"So I am surprised and I'm disappointed for him. But there's a lot of other situations that you've got to take into consideration. How much has he played? Is he physically at his best? Is there stuff going on off the pitch? Is it where he (Tuchel) doesn't want a group of players where those who aren't going to be in the XI that might be different people around the place...
Trent Alexander-Arnold during a Real Madrid game
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out of the latest England squad(Image: Getty Images)
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"There's a lot that gets taken into consideration before you select a squad across a six-week period rather than for a one-off game."
Tuchel offered an explanation for the decision during his press conference on Friday. "Tough decision for Trent, as it is for Ollie Watkins and Luke Shaw. These decisions come with the job. It's a sporting decision.
"Tino Livramento and Djed Spence can play for us on the right, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin can play up front. "I have a very clear picture of what Ollie can give us, so I want to have a look at two other players to get a better picture and have a clearer opinion.
"The right-backs (we have) offer slightly different profiles (to Alexander-Arnold), the evidence is we were good in September-November than anything from Trent.
"I played many times against him and suffered many times when he played against my teams. I know very well his strengths and what he can give."
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