Trent Alexander-Arnold named in England's squad for World Cup

The 19 year old is named in the 23 man squad for Russia but Adam Lallana is on stand-by.

Alexander-Arnold
Author: Adam PhillipsPublished 16th May 2018

Trent Alexander Arnold has been named in England's World Cup squad.

He's gained his first call up, but Adam Lallana, Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere won’t be joining him in Russia.

After months of speculation and scrutiny, Southgate’s chosen 23 men were revealed on Wednesday afternoon, as well as a five strong stand by list for the tournament.

Hart was excluded from both lists even though he’s England’s joint second most capped goalkeeper, as was Arsenal midfielder Wilshere and Southampton left- back Ryan Bertrand.

But Lallana not making the cut was the biggest shock for fans, even though he is a known favourite of Southgate.

The Liverpool attacking midfielder has not started a Premier League match since New Year’s Day, which means his lack of fitness means he has to settle with a stand-by place alongside Jack Livermore, Tom Heaton, James Tarkowski and Lewis Cook.

The only member of the group to have reached a half century of caps - Gary Cahill received a surprise reprieve having been excluded from March’s squad.

But the most interesting chosen player is uncapped teenager Alexander-Arnold; after impressive performances in Liverpool’s run up to the Champions League Final, the 19 year old briefly trained with Southgate’s side in March and has now been named in the senior squad for the first time.

The other uncapped squad member is Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, having being chosen ahead of 75-cap Hart to take the third spot behind Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was rewarded for his fine form and the versatility of Fabian Delph came in after winning the title at Manchester City, despite his last England performance was in November 2015.

Rejuvenated at Manchester United, Ashley Young joins Danny Rose as left-back options instead of Bertrand, considering he played a key role for Southgate.