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There really isn’t a lot that hasn’t been said about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s meteoric rise in the last twelve months that hasn’t been said, but don’t worry, we at The Liverpool Offside will find new angles on him in these barren summer months. And something exciting is happening for him, as the young boy from Liverpool is set to earn his first senior England cap.
That’s according to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, with the well connected (at Liverpool at least) Paul Joyce of The Times suggesting the same thing. Mokbel’s report claims that Alexander-Arnold “is in line to play some part in England’s final friendly before they depart for the World Cup as [England manager] Gareth Southgate is keen to give the 19-year-old an opportunity before the tournament starts”, with the plan being to “ensure the uncapped Alexander-Arnold has a taste of international football before England’s opening game against Tunisia”.
This implies that the right back’s first taste of playing for his country could be from coming off the bench, with Southgate looking to play a similar side to the team that started against Nigeria on Saturday. The report also states that Kieran Trippier is still thought to be ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order, with an apparent preference for familiarity over untested talent.
With England set to play roughly a 3-5-2 formation with wing backs encouraged to get high up the pitch, Trent Alexander-Arnold should be able to slot in comfortably. With a lack of creative midfielders there is an emphasis on using the wing backs to create chances, which we have seen Trent do to great effect this season for Liverpool. The likely preference for Trippier is understandable considering the significant presence of Spurs players in the side, and international football’s difficulties at finding understanding between players on such a short timescale.
One thing is for sure, though, and that’s Alexander-Arnold’s potential to be a key player for his country going forward. To make one’s debut for the national team at age 19 is an outstanding achievement, and everything is set for him to have a great career.