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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Matt Addison

Liverpool fans will love Gary Lineker's Trent Alexander-Arnold verdict

Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is sweating on his place in England's squad for this summer's European Championships - but his late winner against Aston Villa will not have done his chances any harm.

In truth, Saturday's clash with Dean Smith's European-chasing side did not represent the right-back's best performance in a Liverpool shirt as England boss Gareth Southgate watched on.

But the quality of the goal and the crucial nature of it as the Reds chase the top four spots underlined his world-class ability to produce a moment of magic from nowhere.

Liverpool fans the world over rejoiced at the strike with many comparing it to a late winner from Steven Gerrard against Middlesbrough at Anfield in August 2008.

And Gary Lineker was also left impressed, leaving him with no doubt that Alexander-Arnold must make Southgate's squad.

"Brilliant late winner from Trent Alexander-Arnold," the Match of the Day host tweeted.

"The advantages of this incredibly talented young man’s play going forward far outweigh the occasional naivety in his defending.

"He does things only the truly great fullbacks in history can do. I’m sure Gareth [Southgate] will see sense."

Alexander-Arnold is likely to start against Real Madrid midweek as Liverpool seek to turn around their Champions League quarter-final tie.

The Reds then face Leeds United in the Premier League a week on Monday as they bid to strengthen their top-four hopes.

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