Jurgen Klopp: Gareth Southgate ‘happy’ to have Trent Alexander-Arnold for England
Alexander-Arnold was named in the England squad on Thursday.
Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold did not have any doubts about his World Cup inclusion and admits the England international would have been disappointed had he not made Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Alexander-Arnold was named in the England squad on Thursday and Klopp says he will be an asset for Southgate in Qatar.
“I didn’t speak to him (about his World Cup chances) and I know Trent now long enough, I think he knows - apart from playing football - he has no influence,” said Klopp.
“I am not sure he was in doubt but with all the discussions - at least the discussions I followed - if everyone had been available it was likely you don’t take four right-backs.
“I don’t know exactly why we have this discussion but it’s fine. When you have the choice between four or five - and (Kyle) Walker is kind of fit and Reece James obviously is not available - I think Gareth is very happy he has Trent as well.
“Trent took it, he is very calm. He plays the football he plays, tries to improve, tries to develop, but I think he would have been disappointed if he had not been there.”
Struggling under Southgate
Alexander-Arnold has won 17 caps for the Three Lions but was ruled out for last summer’s European Championship through injury.
The 24-year-old is a key player for Klopp at Liverpool but has struggled to feature for England under Southgate with competition from Kieran Tripper, Reece James and Kyle Walker at right-back.
James’ injury, however, has presented the Liverpool player with an opportunity to play in Qatar.