Alexander-Arnold was left out of England's latest UEFA Nations League match against Germany. Kieran Trippier was named to the squad, alongside Reece James at right-back and Luke Shaw at left-back. Alexander-defensive Arnold's skills have been under scrutiny in recent months, and Southgate has now explained why he chose to leave the Liverpool defender out of the team.
Alexander-Arnold is largely considered one of the top right-backs in the world right now. To say Trippier is better than him is a strong claim, but the Newcastle defender has been a reliable alternative for Southgate during his time in charge of England. With the World Cup drawing near, it appears like Alexander-prospects Arnold's of making the team is in jeopardy. Given his recent achievements, which have helped Liverpool win the Champions League and the Premier League, Liverpool supporters are likely to be astonished by Southgate's words.