Southgate explains decision to drop Alexander-Arnold

WHAT HAPPENED? The Liverpool full-back was a surprise omission from the England squad to face Germany in the Nations League on Monday. Southgate has explained why he opted not to include the 23-year-old, who has created more chances this season than any other English full-back and averages 2.7 per match.

WHAT THEY SAID: "I mean, we’ve got a big squad with us and we’ve got four right-backs who are super quality," he told Channel 4. "At the moment Kieran Trippier is playing exceptionally well and Reece James has been one of the outstanding players in the Premier League at the start of the season. But Trent is a very, very good footballer and that’s why we picked him in the [initial] squad."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Southgate's decision makes it clear that Alexander-Arnold is down the pecking order ahead of the World Cup and it's not clear if he will be part of the final squad for the tournament in Qatar. The England manager has been criticised recently for his cautious approach and is under intense scrutiny ahead of the competition.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

DID YOU KNOW? Alexander-Arnold has only featured in eight of England's last 35 matches since the start of 2020.

WHAT NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD? The defender and Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Saturday and welcome Brighton to Anfield.