Steven Gerrard ‘surprised’ Trent Alexander-Arnold dropped by England

The Reds star has been overlooked in favour of Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been overlooked by England (Getty)

Steven Gerrard admits he was “surprised” to see Trent Alexander-Arnold dropped by England and maintains the Liverpool right-back is the “best in the country”.

Gareth Southgate’s decision omit the 22-year-old from his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland raised eyebrows around the country.

Instead, Southgate opted for Chelsea’s Reece James, Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier.

It is the first time Alexander-Arnold has been overlooked since breaking into the Three Lions set-up ahead of the 2018 World Cup with Southgate highlighting his poor form as costly.

But Rangers manager Gerrard, who spent 17 seasons with the Reds as a player, maintains the defender needed “support, love and attention”.

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“I think Trent is the best English right back in the country,” former England midfielder Gerrard said.

“One thing I’ve learnt from being a player is you can’t always be 10 out of 10. When you do come off, you need that support, love and attention from your manager more than anyone else.

“So I was surprised by the decision but that’s my opinion and my opinion is not important in this. Gareth Southgate makes the decisions there. I don’t necessarily agree with that decision, but I’m not the England manager.”

Alexander-Arnold will now focus on preparing to face Arsenal on 3 April following the conclusion of the international break, with the champions in a battle to finish inside the top four.