England World Cup squad: Gareth Southgate reveals why he called up Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold

The young full-back is yet to make his full England debut

Gareth Southgate has explained his decision to take Trent Alexander-Arnold to the 2018 World Cup.

The 19-year-old Liverpool full-back has never been capped at senior international level, but Southgate has decided to name him in his 23-man squad ahead of more experienced players such as Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand.

“The first call up for Trent Alexander-Arnold is well deserved. When we pick young players, it’s not just because they are young, it’s because their performances deserve it,” Southgate explained.

“I believe this is a squad which we can be excited about.

“It is a young group, but with some really important senior players so I feel the balance of the squad is good, both in terms of its experience, its character and also the positional balance.

“We have a lot of energy and athleticism in the team, but players that are equally comfortable in possession of the ball and I think people can see the style of play we’ve been looking to develop.

“The selection process has been over months really, it’s not just been the last few weeks. We feel the team are improving and we want to continue that momentum.

Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for Liverpool this season, appearing in 32 matches across all competitions and playing a vital role in the club’s run to the Champions League final.

England World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jack Butland (Stoke), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose (all Tottenham), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Kyle Walker and John Stones (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Eric Dier, Dele Alli (both Tottenham), Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young (both Man Utd), Fabian Delph (Man City), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea),

Forwards: Raheem Sterling (Man City), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)