LET’S SEND OUT A SIGNAL AND START THE FIRST GAME WITH ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

THIS squad feels like a new beginning. What better way to signal the start of a new era than by playing Trent AlexanderArnold in the first game against Tunisia? If Kyle Walker is used as a centre back, either the Liverpool defender or Kieran Trippier will play at right wing-back. Gareth Southgate is not afraid to prioritise form over experience. While Trippier has seemed tired in the final few weeks of the season, AlexanderArnold looks as if he is running mid-race. We make too much of the gulf in class for young players. Alexander-Arnold is only 19, yet could be lining up against Real Madrid in a Champions League final. If he is good enough to play in the biggest match in club football, why can’t he start at the World Cup? To be successful at tournaments, you have to be a fast learner. Alexander-Arnold has shown he is capable of bouncing back. In March, he struggled to cope with Marcus Rashford as Manchester United beat Liverpool. A few weeks later, he kept Manchester City’s Leroy Sane at bay.