Legendary Brazil full-back Cafu has launched a staunch defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold with the Liverpool full-back yet to play for England at this winter's World Cup.
The Reds full-back, who hails from West Derby, was left on the bench for both of the Three Lions' opening Group B games and was even overlooked by manager Gareth Southgate as they chased an elusive winner during the closing stages of Friday's goalless encounter with the United States.
Prior to that, England had raced into a healthy four-goal lead against Iran in their opening game in Doha but Southgate opted to introduce Eric Dier, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, Callum Wilson and Phil Foden instead of the Liverpool man.
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A draw against Wales on Tuesday evening will be enough to see Southgate's side qualify for the last 16, which means Alexander-Arnold could be in line to play a substantial part in the encounter. However, whether that comes from the first whistle or from the substitutes' bench remains unclear at this moment in time.
However, that hasn't stopped two-time World champion and legendary AC Milan full-back Cafu from leaping to the defence of the Reds' right-back and questioning why Alexander-Arnold has been overlooked by Southgate, insisting that unjustified criticism around his defending reminds him of the treatment himself and team-mate Roberto Carlos weathered during their careers, despite their indisputable success.
“I don’t understand why," said Cafu, on the omission of Alexander-Arnold "He’s the full package: he has quality, dribbling skills, and pace. But it’s always the same thing.
"They say you don’t defend and sit you. They used to do the same thing to me and Roberto Carlos, but I’d argue we managed to win something anyway. The style of the fullbacks has become robotic, there are fewer cuts without the ball.”
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