Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has expressed surprise at Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission from England's squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. The Real Madrid right-back was overlooked by new manager Thomas Tuchel in his 35-man selection, with Tino Livramento and Djed Spence chosen instead, while Reece James is sidelined through injury.
Speaking on Saturday, Gerrard said he believes Alexander-Arnold offers something different for England. 'Very much so,' he responded when asked if Tuchel's decision had taken him aback. 'Listen, we've got some good options at right-back, Reece James is world class, I really like Livramento... I understand the selection, but I just think, is Trent among the best 35 players in this country? Of course he is.'
Gerrard highlighted Alexander-Arnold's unique ability to change a game from the bench. 'There's going to be certain games where England have to open the door, they might be against a low block where it's really frustrating and Trent is one of these players who can come off the bench and just completely change the game with one pass, he's that level of a player.'
The former England captain acknowledged that other factors may have influenced Tuchel's decision, including Alexander-Arnold's form, fitness, and off-pitch matters. 'I am surprised and I'm disappointed for him. But there's a lot of other situations that you've got to take into consideration. How much has he played? Is he physically at his best? Is there stuff going on off the pitch?'
Tuchel explained his decision on Friday, calling it a 'sporting decision' and noting that Livramento and Spence offer different profiles. 'The evidence is we were good in September-November than anything from Trent,' he said. 'I played many times against him and suffered many times when he played against my teams. I know very well his strengths and what he can give.'
