There is no place for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the first England squad of the year
Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission was one of the standout headlines to come from Gareth Southgate's first England squad of 2021.
While the Three Lions' boss is blessed with an abundance of talent at right-back, the decision to leave the Liverpool man out of the team entirely ahead of games with San Marino, Albania and Poland was, to many, an unexpected move.
https://twitter.com/England/status/1372548347668525066
Southgate confirmed that Alexander-Arnold had been dropped and was not left out due to injury.
"I don't think he's played at the level he's been at during the last few years," Southgate said. "He’s a big talent and I’m sure he will play a big role for England in the future."
Instead, there were call-ups for Chelsea's Reece James and Kieran Trippier of Atletico Madrid.
Whereas Southgate's assessment that Alexander-Arnold has not hit the same heights as he has in recent years is fair, the news that he still wasn't deemed worthy of a place in the squad came as a surprise to many:
https://twitter.com/henrywinter/status/1372549188840525827
https://twitter.com/maxrushden/status/1372551701828399111
https://twitter.com/AdamCrafton_/status/1372555955523760128
https://twitter.com/jamiebennett92/status/1372557616417767431
https://twitter.com/SammyCeeee/status/1372557991141052419
Others viewed it as good news for his club, who will not have to worry about losing another player to injury over the international break
https://twitter.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/1372548868831916034
https://twitter.com/DaveOCKOP/status/1372549603745271813
https://twitter.com/arlowhite/status/1372554070049837057
Others pointed it was merely a continuation of Southgate continuing to pick players on their form, not reputation
https://twitter.com/GillesOffTheWeb/status/1372554161653481472
England play San Marino at Wembley next Thursday, facing Albania in Tirana three days later. They will then return to Wembley for the game with Poland the following Wednesday.
