Trent Alexander-Arnold at the very least should be in england squad

Virgil van Dijk has admitted that he is 'surprised' to see that Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold is not England first-choice right back – but believes he can still be a valuable asset for Gareth Southgate at this month's World Cup. Alexander-Arnold has fallen down the pecking order under Southgate with Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier preferred ahead of him in the national setup.

The 24-year-old was an unused substitute for England during the most recent international break with fears that he won't make Southgate's final 26-man squad for the tournament in Qatar. And Van Dijk believes Alexander-Arnold, who has not played for England since a 1-0 defeat by Hungary in June, should at least make the plane for Qatar no matter what.

'I was surprised to see Trent Alexander-Arnold not starting for England,' Van Dijk told Gary Neville on The Overlap. 'England are very lucky to have many talented right-backs, maybe everyone grew up wanting to be the next Gary Neville! 'They have Reece James and Kyle Walker, who are outstanding, but Trent should at the very least be in the squad.

'They play five at the back, which is a different role for him, but with his quality – if you give him the confidence he needs, he can be so valuable for England.' Van Dijk, who will lead Holland out at the World Cup next month, has also hailed the abundance of talent England has in its ranks and believes another one of his Liverpool team-mates, Joe Gomez, should even be selected in Southgate's final 26-man squad.

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'I think England have so much quality, and some unbelievable players in Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham,' Van Dijk added. 'Even Joe Gomez should go in my opinion – I try to help him play better. He was outstanding against Manchester City. 'He can also play in a back-five, on the left, in the centre or on the right. But in general I think England has some fantastic players.'