Reluctant Klopp tips Trent for England
JURGEN KLOPP believes Trent Alexander-Arnold is ready to play at the World Cup — but he would prefer Liverpool’s right back to have a summer of rest.
The 19-year- old has enjoyed an outstanding season and his recent form has been so good — notably in the Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester City — that he is in the running for Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
The FA had planned for Alexander-Arnold to go to Toulon with the Under 21s, but if Liverpool beat Roma in the Champions League semi-finals, AlexanderArnold would be ruled out because the Young Lions’ opening game clashes with the final on May 26.
Southgate will keep monitoring Alexander-Arnold and Klopp is adamant the defender would not look out of place if he made the final 23. The German’s preference, though, would be for a break in June. ‘ Of course I would prefer that, but I’m not the person who wants to say to Gareth Southgate, “Don’t take him!”’ said Klopp.
‘Everything is ready and Trent is in a good moment. England have one or two issues but right back is not among them. They have Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier. If Walker is used in a back three, there is only Trippier and maybe they need another solution.
‘Yes, Trent would have a great, wonderful experience at a very young age and you can see that would be really positive.
‘He is not finished in his development and a lot will come, which is good news. With regard to the World Cup, somebody has to make that decision and thank God it’s not me.’
Liverpool can move to within three points of a place in the Champions League next season by beating West Bromwich this lunchtime. But Daniel Sturridge, who moved to The Hawthorns on loan in January, is ineligible.
Sturridge moved with the intention of playing his way into the World Cup frame, but a serious hamstring injury has made the switch a disaster. He will return to Anfield at the end of the campaign with a year left on his contract.
TV: LIVE WBA v Liverpool, Sky Sports 12.30pm.