Liverpool’s Trent Alexander Arnold is reported to be “devastated” by his England snub while Three Lions legend Gary Linker has expressed his bewilderment at the decision.
Manager Gareth Southgate left the Reds home-grown hero out of his squad for the national team’s trio of upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland later this month.
An article in the Athletic states that Alexander-Arnold’s omission “has been greeted with sense of shock and bemusement at Liverpool ” where he was among the club’s players given time off this week on the assumption he would be representing his country.
It’s added that the 22-year-old is understood to be “devastated” at missing out with Jurgen Klopp regarding him as one of Liverpool’s standout performers since December.
Meanwhile, Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, who scored 48 goals in 80 games for England, has spoken of his shock regarding Alexander-Arnold being dropped.
Henry Winter, the Times’ Chief Football Writer, initially wrote on Twitter: “Harsh, counter-productive decision by Southgate.
"Trent Alexander-Arnold is a fantastic attacking right back, never let Southgate down, true professional, gives everything, one of the most technical players around, passing, switching. England need him."
And Lineker replied to that message, declaring: “Agreed. Somewhat bewildered by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s omission.”
