Rio Ferdinand believes it would be 'a joke' if Trent Alexander-Arnold was to be left out of the England squad for the World Cup.
The Liverpool right-back bounced back from a disappointing few weeks to score a wonderful free-kick in the 2-0 Champions League win against Rangers on Tuesday evening, with Mohamed Salah securing victory with a second-half penalty after Luis Diaz was brought down.
Alexander-Arnold has come under scrutiny for his part in a slow start to the season on Merseyside, and Gareth Southgate's decision to drop the 23-year-old from his matchday squad to face Germany recently sparked fresh debate as to whether he will be on the plane to Qatar in November. But Ferdinand believes it would be a 'joke' if the Reds star was left behind.
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"There’s 26 players who can go to the World Cup now, not 22, 23 back in our day," Ferdinand told BT Sport. "If Trent Alexander-Arnold can’t get into the World Cup squad, I think it’s a joke for me. I don’t care. People are saying defensively, yes, there’s been defensive frailties in his game but there are things, basics I think he can iron. For what he gives you going forward, this guy - minimum - has to be in the squad."
Speaking shortly after the final whistle on Tuesday, Alexander-Arnold admitted he has tried to remain positive throughout the season, despite intense scrutiny.
He said: “No matter what I always try to think positively. People say things but for me, it’s about going out there and performing for the team. The only thing that matters is coming here getting the wins, helping the team. It’s been a slow start to the season for me but I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
“It’s going to be very busy. It’s what we’re used to, we’re used to playing three games a week. There’s no excuses, it’s exciting, when it’s coming thick and fast it’s exciting for us.”
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