'I don't understand': Simon Jordan left confused after what's happened to 23-year-old Liverpool player today

By Ben Evans

TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has been left confused by the omission of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold from tonight’s England squad.

Alexander-Arnold is one of five players Gareth Southgate has left out for tonight’s match against Germany.

It means the Liverpool full-back has only played once for England in 2022.

He featured in England’s 1-0 loss to Hungary in June, but was substituted after an hour.

He was an unused substitute against Germany three days later, before being given an extended summer break.

Southgate has chosen not to give Alexander-Arnold another opportunity before he chooses his World Cup squad in November.

Since his debut in 2018, Alexander-Arnold has only played 17 times for England, and has struggled to convince Southgate he should be his first choice right-back.

With Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier all involved, Southgate has plenty of options on the right.

Alexander-Arnold not being in the England squad tonight is a worrying sign for his World Cup ambitions.

Jordan confused by Alexander-Arnold England squad snub

It’s not been an easy start to the season for Alexander-Arnold.

He’s struggled on several occasions defensively this season, having a particularly poor match against Manchester United.

Michael Owen has previously worried about his chances of going to the World Cup, and this latest decision from Southgate will only intensify speculation.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Jordan said: “He gives you attacking options and quality going forward.

“But when you play in elite tournaments, you’re going to play against sides that have similar players, who have the ability to get at you.

“And all of a sudden, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s strengths are one thing, but his weaknesses become the thing you’ve got to contend with.

“Now leaving him out of the squad, I don’t understand the logic of it. I don’t understand the methodology he’s trying to deploy.

“I do understand why he doesn’t get in the side at times, and I do understand that when you put him in against top-class opposition that are going to ask as many questions of you, as you’ll ask of them, then suddenly he’s becomes a weaker link.

“You should be able to defend, you should be able to see danger, you should be able to be aware of circumstances, you should be alive to it.”

Alexander-Arnold now has a nervous wait over the last few weeks to see if he makes England’s World Cup squad.