Liverpool star Alexander Arnold is facing intense competition to book a place in the English National team squad.
Meanwhile he was never been considered for inclusion in the England Under 21 European Championship group stage squad which will will likely commence this month, despite his omission from Gareth Southgate’s senior plans.
The Premier League and Champions League winner, who is 22 but still eligible to have been called up by U21s coach Aidy Boothroyd, was left out of Southgate’s squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers having struggled with Liverpool since the turn of the year.
More so Boothroyd said Alexander was never a consideration for him on his under under 21 squad while adding that it was the Liverpool’s star’s choice to join the senior squad.
“It wasn’t ever a consideration for us, I think there comes a time when a player becomes a senior player, and then he becomes part of that senior squad, or he doesn’t for whatever reason.” he said.
The Liverpool right back has 12 senior caps to his name under Southgate but faces intense competition for his place to secure a place in the England senior team. . Chelsea’s Reece James, Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker were all included in the latest Three Lions squad.
With the group stage being held this month and the knockouts not beginning until May 31 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Boothroyd will be able to name a different squad should England make it to the latter stages in the summer.
However there has long been an argument that nations should take the best players available to them for competitions such as the U21 Euros in order to provide key tournament experience.
Alexander Arnold could possibly drop down for the knockouts if he remains left out from the senior squad.
SOURCE standard.co.uk