Southgate says Trippier over Alexander-Arnold with Liverpool star now fourth choice

Alexander-Arnold was named in the 28-man squad for the recent Nations League games against Italy and Germany.

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However, he did not get off the bench against Italy before then being left out of the match day squad that faced Germany.

The 23-year-old has won everything with Liverpool since his breakthrough, but has struggled to translate that onto the international stage.

Alexander-Arnold has won just 17 caps since making his debut in 2018 and only one of those has come this year.

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Ahead of him are Kyle Walker, Reece James and Trippier.

"Firstly, I didn't want any player to sit in the stand for two matches so I think the way we manage a group of people has been a big strength for us in the tournaments and we need to do that," the England manager said, when he explained Alexander-Arnold's absence from the 3-3 draw with Germany.

"The other night, we didn't need the left-back cover. Against Germany we did because of the way we went with the team so we needed Chilly [Ben Chilwell] on the bench and we had Kieran who, at the moment, I feel his all-round game is ahead [of Alexander-Arnold]."

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Asked about the conversations with those left out, Southgate said: "I've had long conversations with all of them, been very clear with them about where they stand, what they need to improve upon, what they're doing well so they're very clear on where they sit."

The loyalty Southgate has shown to out-of-favour Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has also been another hot topic of conversation.

The 29-year-old gave away the penalty that allowed Germany to open the scoring on Monday and was dispossessed in the move that ended with their second, but Southgate's belief remains intact.

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"I know everybody says he's important to me, he's important to us," Southgate said. "It's us, it's not me.

"Why do we pick him? Because he's one of the players who gives us the best chance of winning.

"So, really we should all be wanting a Harry Maguire that's playing regularly and playing with confidence.

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"That applies to, of course, quite a few players but he's the one that everything lands on, which must be a tough space for him, really, but he's showing tremendous character.

"I think he has got the character to get over this because he's a boy that's been from Sheffield United to Hull City - his journey is not one where everything has been smooth.

"Sometimes you get lads who, in the early part of their career, haven't had to handle adversity and when it hits them, it's harder to cope with.

"He's like most of us, really, in that he's had lots of hurdles and that shapes your character."

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