Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s extraordinary rise at Liverpool has been rewarded with a place in England’s World Cup squad along with Jordan Henderson.
The World Cup gets underway on June 14 in Russia, and some of those participating have been confirming their 23-man squads this week.
There has been much speculation over who Gareth Southgate would select for the Three Lions, and all has now been revealed.
Liverpool will have two English representatives, with Alexander-Arnold’s inclusion the biggest, and most pleasing surprise.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a wonderful season, becoming a first-team regular and shining at right-back, and he looks set to start the Champions League final on May 26.
It is a bold decision by Southgate that is worthy of great praise—so many past England managers would not have given youth a chance—and the call-up is fully merited.
Henderson will also be on the plane to Russia, and will be tussling with Harry Kane to captain his country.
Adam Lallana is named on the standby list, having made just 14 appearances for Liverpool this season.
The most notable omissions from the squad are Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere, both of whom are relatively high-profile players who were expected to be involved.
Joe Gomez would likely have gone if he was fit, while James Milner‘s outstanding form reportedly led to Southgate unsuccessfully attempting to bring him out of international retirement.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also misses out due to a long-term knee injury.
England will be attempting to end 52 years of hurt this summer—just imagine if Alexander-Arnold and Henderson achieve a Champions League and World Cup double.
England’s World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
Jack Butland (Stoke)
Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Nick Pope (Burnley)
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Phil Jones (Man United)
Harry Maguire (Leicester City)
Danny Rose (Tottenham)
John Stones (Man City)
Kieran Trippier (Tottenham)
Kyle Walker (Man City)
Ashley Young (Man United)
Midfielders
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Eric Dier (Tottenham)
Fabian Delph (Man City)
Jesse Lingard (Man United)
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea)
Dele Alli (Tottenham)
Forwards
Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Marcus Rashford (Man United)
Raheem Sterling (Man City)
Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Standby: Tom Heaton, James Tarkowski, Lewis Cook, Jake Livermore, Adam Lallana
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