Omitted: Trent Alexander-Arnold was a high-profile omission from England’s latest senior squad
(Picture: Getty Images)Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold was never considered for inclusion in the England squad taking part in this month’s Under-21 European Championship group stage, despite his omission from Gareth Southgate's senior plans.
The Premier League and Champions League winner, who is 22 but still eligible to have been called up by U21s coach Aidy Boothroyd, was left out of Southgate's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers having struggled with Liverpool since the turn of the year.
Boothroyd's squad face Switzerland in the opening group stage game of the tournament, which is being staged in two sections this year, on Thursday, though Alexander-Arnold has never been in his plans.
"It wasn't ever a consideration for us," said Boothroyd.
"I think there comes a time when a player becomes a senior player, and then he becomes part of that senior squad, or he doesn't for whatever reason."
There has long been an argument that nations should take the best players available to them for competitions such as the U21 Euros in order to provide key tournament experience.
Alexander-Arnold already has 12 senior caps to his name under Southgate but faces intense competition for his place in the side. Chelsea's Reece James, Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier and Manchester City's Kyle Walker were all included in the latest Three Lions squad.
With the group stage being held this month and the knockouts not beginning until May 31 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Boothroyd will be able to name a different squad should England make it to the latter stages in the summer.
Should Alexander-Arnold remain left out of the senior squad, then there is a possibility that he could drop down for the knockouts.
