GARY NEVILLE has insisted that England manager Gareth Southgate cannot trust Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Three Lions boss is set to name his final squad for the World Cup in Qatar and the right-back position has been one for debate.
Defenders Reece James, Kieran Trippier, and Kyle Walker have all had injury issues which have led to calls for Alexander-Arnold to be given a chance in the national team.
However, the 24-year-old has struggled defensively this season and has been labelled as untrustworthy by the former Manchester United defender.
Neville told Sky Sports: “It’s a really tough one because his brilliance going forward is out of this world.
“How are England going to win or lose in the World Cup? It is going to come down to one moment, and at this moment in time, I can’t see how Gareth can go into a knockout game at the World Cup with Trent.
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“I want this player to be the greatest right back of all time, but at times today, he looked like he could have cost Liverpool.
“I think at the World Cup, he is giving away a penalty. I don’t think Gareth will trust him in a knockout game and that may influence his decision as to whether he goes or not.”
Despite helping the Reds to their first away win in the Premier League this season over Tottenham, he was lucky not to be penalised for a penalty that could have cost his side.
The Reds star has been backed by former club stars Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Souness, who has both said that they would like to see him go to Qatar due to his ability going forward.
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Redknapp said: “The flip side of it is if you’re struggling, and he is not starting you can bring him on to create a bit of brilliance going forward.
“I just don’t see how we can afford to not take a player of that capacity that can produce something so vital in important moments.
“We have got obsessed with right-backs over the years, and Walker and James are under pressure because of their injuries and you have to take a risk.
“At times today Trent looked like he was in a tumble dryer he was getting thrown around everywhere, but the flip side of it is someone that can do something incredible with the football.”
Souness added: “100 per cent. I understand why there is a nervousness, but you must take him.
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“You have got Iran, USA and Wales – surely England going in there should fear no one. There is not another right-back out there that possesses his qualities.
“Yes, defensively he is not the best, but you have to take him.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
