Jamie Carragher believes Kieran Trippier will start for England at the World Cup ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold as the countdown to Qatar continues.
Alexander-Arnold has come under intense criticism this season for his performances at right-back and has continued to be overlooked by Gareth Southgate in fixtures involving the Three Lions. The question over whether the Reds' right-back will even make the 26-man squad has even been raised, though recent injuries to key personnel may well have influenced this outcome.
Kyle Walker is a doubt for the World Cup while Reece James is expected to miss out after sustaining a hamstring issue, leaving Southgate potentially short of two players who looked certain to start at the tournament.
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Kieran Trippier remains another option at right-back for England, however, and Carragher is of the view the Newcastle United defender will be selected as opposed to Alexander-Arnold.
“This situation is helped by the injuries to Kyle Walker and Reece James," former Reds centre-back told Sky Sports in respect of Liverpool's local star.
"If those two players are out, he’s [Alexander-Arnold] a cert to go in the squad. I still think he will find it really difficult to get into the team. Kieran Trippier would be ahead of him in Gareth Southgate’s eyes," countered Carragher.
"If you take one of Kyle Walker or Reece James, there is still enough room for Trent to go. But if those two players miraculously made themselves fit or Southgate wanted to take a chance or risk with the fitness, it may be difficult for Trent in terms of actually making the squad. I don’t see him making the team if Trippier stays fit so I think it all hinges on how Gareth sees those injuries."
The Sky Sports pundit also commented on Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham, likening him to Steven Gerrard and insisting the Borussia Dortmund star should be a guaranteed starter at the World Cup.
"I think he is a different type of player. He takes you back to a Steven Gerrard type of a player, who is going to go forward and try to supplement the attack in terms of creating chances and scoring goals," he said.
"What he makes you think about is England playing 4-3-3 more than three at the back. When England play three at the back, they play two sitting midfield players and I don't think that is his game. It feels like Jude Bellingham is at that stage where he has to play, certainly based on his performances in the last few internationals."
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