England star’s World Cup snub is a disgrace – he walks into every other squad | Football | Sport

So England‘s World Cup squad is out. There are some glaring omissions. Some huge names. But one of them is more mystifying than the rest – Trent Alexander-Arnold. The right-back is a divisive figure because of his defending. I don’t need to elaborate much further – we’ve all seen the clips. But one thing there’s no debating is that he is gloriously talented with the ball at his feet.

No other player in the England squad can pass as well as Alexander-Arnold. Nobody can cross as well as him either. In fact, very few Premier League players of the last 20 years can. He justifiably compares to Kevin De Bruyne in those two aspects of the game. And he would have gotten into every other World Cup squad. Yes, all 47 other countries. Even Spain, France, Brazil and Argentina. There’s no doubt about it.

Now I’m not saying Alexander-Arnold had to start for England. Reece James is absolutely phenomenal. When fit, he’s arguably the best two-way right-back in the world alongside Achraf Hakimi. He offers tremendous balance offensively and defensively.

But not having a player with Alexander-Arnold’s ability to bring off the bench isn’t just downright bizarre, it’s a disgrace.

When legs are weary, who better to get opposing defenders doing exactly what they don’t want to have to do – turn and sprint towards their own goal to catch the likes of Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins – fresh off the bench. What a threat England would have had, calling upon their fresh legs and allowing them to latch on to Trent’s long diagonal passes.

Clearly, Thomas Tuchel prefers Djed Spence, who is admittedly superior defensively and can also play at left-back. Why? Well Tuchel said this morning: “Mostly it is about the energy, connection and trust between me and the players.” He trusts Spence. He clearly doesn’t trust Trent.

In a situation where you need your full-back to shut down the opposing winger, fair enough. It’s sensible you’d want Spence for those moments. But if you want to win the World Cup, what about the situations where you need a game-changer off the bench? Someone to do something unorthodox to break down a defence?

There’s a reason Alexander-Arnold plays for Real Madrid. There’s a reason he’s got the most assists for a defender in Premier League history (64). There’s a reason he’s a two-time Premier League champion and Champions League winner. He has so much experience at the very highest level, under the highest pressure, in the toughest of atmospheres.

As a footballer, he is unquestionably better than most of the players in the England squad. And he would have been a terrifying weapon to call upon. Rivals will be relieved to see he’s been left at home.

It’s not just his passing and crossing either, Alexander-Arnold is also a threat with his shooting from long range. He’s a brilliant free-kick taker. He’s got a decent penalty record too, because of how good a ball-striker he is.

Instead, this summer he’ll be on his holidays. What a sad waste of a sensational footballer’s talents.