Fowler insists Alexander-Arnold deserves to start for England
Trent Alexander-Arnold should be ‘one of the first names on the teamsheet’ for England, claims Robbie Fowler, as he compares the Liverpool star to a Three Lions legend
- Robbie Fowler has insisted Trent Alexander-Arnold deserves to start for England
- Liverpool defender has amassed just 20 caps since international debut in 2018
- Fowler also lamented his own international career that saw him win 26 caps
Robbie Fowler has insisted that Trent Alexander-Arnold deserves to be one of Gareth Southgate’s key players for England.
The Liverpool star made his debut with the Three Lions ahead of the World Cup in 2018, but has so far failed to maintain a consistent place in Southgate’s starting XI.
After making a solitary appearance at the tournament in Russia, Alexander-Arnold missed out on England’s run to the final of Euro 2020 after being forced to withdraw from the squad due to a thigh injury.
The 24-year-old’s international nadir came as his inconsistent form at Anfield saw him axed from the squad that ultimately bowed out after reaching the quarter-finals in Qatar.
Recent Euro qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia demonstrated Alexander-Arnold’s effectiveness when utilised in role that allows him to showcase his considerable playmaking attributes and Fowler added that the Liverpool star’s ability from set pieces is reminiscent of an England legend.
Robbie Fowler insisted that Trent Alexander-Arnold deserves a place in England’s starting XI
He added that Gareth Southgate does not need to deploy the Liverpool star as a midfielder to harness his creativity talents
‘When it comes to set-pieces, he is the best England have produced since David Beckham,’ Fowler wrote in his column for the Mirror.
‘Yes, Trent Alexander-Arnold is that good.’
The former Liverpool striker added that Alexander-Arnold’s perceived defensive vulnerabilities are more than made up for by what he can provide the national team going forward.
‘I don’t buy into this theory that Trent has to reinvent himself if he is going to break into Gareth Southgate’s team. He excelled in midfield as England wiped the floor with Malta and North Macedonia in their two Euro qualifiers last week.
‘And the big question now being asked by the pundits is whether he can do the business against some world-class opposition. But Alexander-Arnold is one of England’s best 11 footballers – whether he is operating as a full-back or a midfielder.
‘He should be one of the first names on Southgate’s team sheet. The quality he provides on the ball more than outweighs the defensive deficiencies that have been used as a big stick to beat him with.’
Fowler also reflected on his own experiences playing international football, expressing regret that he didn’t enjoy his own time with the Three Lions more.
‘I am always being asked about my time with England – and my answer always captures how disappointed I am that I didn’t enjoy it more. It isn’t just the fact that I know a player of my talent should have played more than 26 internationals.
Fowler added Alexander-Arnold is England’s best set-piece taker since Dvid Beckham
The former Liverpool forward made 26 appearances for the Three Lions between 1996 and 2002
‘It is about the reality that I never felt like I was part of the squad. It was like I was there to make up the numbers. Alexander-Arnold has made it clear that he is desperate to play for England.’
Despite multiple prolific seasons at Anfield, Fowler struggled to command in the place in the starting XI under multiple managers for England.
Competing for a spot against the likes of Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham, Michael Owen and Emile Heskey saw Fowler’s opportunities limited, and he received his final cap at the 2002 World Cup, ending his international career with seven goals in 26 appearances.
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