England manager Gareth Southgate says Trent Alexander-Arnold's absence from the squad to face Germany has "nothing to do with the World Cup".
The Liverpool right-back, widely considered among the best in the world, continues to have a hard time cementing a spot in Southgate's team. He was an unused substitute for the defeat in Italy and was omitted from the squad for Germany's visit to Wembley on Monday.
The likes of Rio Ferdinand have jumped to Alexander-Arnold's defence, but Southgate insisted the latest snub has no bearing on his chances of going to the World Cup.
"It’s nothing to do with the World Cup," Southgate told Channel 4 ahead of the game. "We have four right backs with exceptional quality.
"Kieran Trippier is playing exceptionally well and Reece James has been one of the outstanding players in the league.
"We know Trent is a very, very good footballer and that’s why we picked him in the squad."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, working as a pundit for Channel 4's coverage, believes Alexander-Arnold's absence is down to a lack of leadership - an attribute others possess.
"Gareth talks about leadership a lot," Hitzlsperger said.
"Maybe Trent is not the sort of leader he wants. He wants players he can rely on like Harry Maguire."
