GARETH SOUTHGATE NAMES KIERAN TRIPPIER IN EXPLANATION FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD'S ENGLAND OMISSION

Gareth Southgate believes Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier has made an 'exceptional' start to the season. The England boss namechecked the Magpies defender when asked about Trent Alexander-Arnold's latest omission from the Three Lions squad.

Alexander-Arnold has been a peripheral figure for his country under Southgate, and did not earn any playing time during the final round of Nations League fixtures. The Liverpool full-back was not named in the matchday squadfor Monday night's clash with Germany, with Reece James selected at right wing-back.

Southgate made two changes to his starting eleven from the defeat in Italy, with Luke Shaw and John Stones coming into the team. The England manager was asked about his selection, with attention inevitably turning to his decision not to name Alexander-Arnold on the bench.

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When asked if this omission gave any hints over Alexander-Arnold's World Cup prospects, Southgate told Channel 4: "No, I mean we've got a big squad with us and we've got four right-backs who are super quality. At the moment, Kieran Trippier is playing exceptionally well.

"Reece James has been one of the outstanding players in the league at the start of the season. We know Trent is a very, very good footballer and that's why we've picked him in the squad."

Jermain Defoe joined Joe Cole and Thomas Hitzlsperger on the touchline as part of Channel Four's punditry lineup. The former Sunderland striker believes the 'quality' of options such as James, Trippier and Kyle Walker makes it a complicated decision for Southgate.

Defoe said: "He [Alexander-Arnold] is someone who has always impressed me. What he gives you going forward...his range of passing is one of the best. It's a difficult one because the problem Gareth has got with Reece James, Kyle Walker, Trippier, the quality of players in that position.

"Then you've got Trent, there's been a lot said about him defensively but at the same time he's still a top player. It's harsh to be honest, but what can you do when you've got those players in that position."

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2022-09-26T19:27:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd