Former Crystal Palace Chairman, Simon Jordan, has hit out at England national team manager, Gareth Southgate’s decision to drop Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold from his squad for their UEFA Nations League clash against Germany on Monday night.
Jordan said he doesn’t understand the logic of why Southgate left Alexander-Arnold out of his squad to face Germany.
Alexander-Arnold has recently fallen out of favour with Southgate, with Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier all currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
The 23-year-old has only played 17 times for the Three Lions since his debut in June 2018.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Jordan insisted that Alexander-Arnold has the offensive ability to warrant a place in England’s squad, adding that he gives attacking options.
Jordan said, “He gives you attacking options and quality going forward. But when you play in elite tournaments, you’re going to play against sides that have similar players, who have the ability to get at you. And all of a sudden, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s strengths are one thing, but his weaknesses become the thing you’ve got to contend with.”
He added, “Now, leaving him out of the squad, I don’t understand the logic of it. I don’t understand the methodology he is trying to deploy. I do understand why he does not get to the side at times.
“I do understand that when you put him in against top-class opposition that are going to ask as many questions of you as you will ask of them, then suddenly he’s become a weaker link. You should be able to defend. You should be able to see the danger. You should be able to be aware of circumstances, you should be alive to it.”