Southgate to ignore new factors and deliver England snub to Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is very unlikely to get an England recall for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad, claims a report.
Southgate will name his 26-man squad for Euro 2020 at 1pm on Tuesday 25 May. And even with UEFA sanctioned a move to allow the finalists to increase their squads from 23 to 26, Alexander-Arnold looks set to miss out. The 22-year-old has been one of the rising stars at Anfield over the last couple of seasons. However, his form like Liverpool’s dropped this season and Southgate omitted the right-back for the recent World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
The bold move was headline news and The Athletic claim a recall for Alexander-Arnold is “improbable”.
David Ornstein writes that Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier are once again set to be the three right-backs named in the squad. And even with the squad size adjustment to 26, and despite his very recent form the Liverpool man looks likely to be left out in the cold.
The full-back’s last two performances for Liverpool have been first class. Alexander-Arnold shone like a beacon in the 4-2 away with at Manchester United and he was superb against West Brom in the 2-1 success on Sunday.
Nevertheless Southgate does not appear interested in the 12-cap right-back.
Ornstein added: “It is evident that Southgate wants his full-backs to show strong defensive qualities alongside their attacking instincts and there appear to be reservations over Alexander-Arnold’s ability to strike that balance as well as he believes the other candidates for the position are able to.”
If Southgate sticks to his guns and leaves Alexander-Arnold out of his squad it will be a huge call from the former Middlesbrough boss. England have been installed as favourites for the tournament, which is being jointly-hosted in England and Scotland.
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Klopp namechecks Giroud
Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says that Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud would be proud if he scored the way Alisson Becker did.
Reds goalkeeper Alisson produced one of the moments of the season on Sunday by heading his side to a dramatic victory over West Brom. Liverpool needed a win to keep their hopes of making the top four alive, but were locked at 1-1. After a second-half struggle, though, Alisson’s bullet header with almost the final action of the match sparked raucous celebrations.
The header was a special moment for Alisson, who lost his father earlier this year. As such, he gave an emotional interview after the match, dedicating the goal to his family.
Meanwhile, Klopp hailed the contribution as “outstanding” in his interview with Sky Sports.
Speaking to BBC Sport [live blog, 19:05], though, the Reds boss compared the goal to one typically scored by Chelsea marksman Giroud.
“Wow, is a pretty good word. It was spectacular and a good game. What a moment!” Klopp said.
“That is so far the highlight. I hope we have time for another highlight [this season]. It was a tricky game. Winning that way is really special. I couldn’t be happier in the moment.
“It’s the best goal I’ve ever seen scored by a goalkeeper! Striker’s score like that. If Olivier Giroud scores like that you say it’s a worldie. It’s a worldie! Wow!”
READ MORE: Alisson gives emotional interview after astonishing winner for Liverpool
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