Former England striker Gabby Agbonlahor has told Trent Alexander-Arnold he should consider stepping down from international duties until Gareth Southgate is replaced as manager.
The 23-year-old Liverpool right-back is the fourth choice for his country and it remains to be seen whether he will make the squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
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Alexander-Arnold has just 17 caps under Southgate
Alexander-Arnold hasn’t featured in recent Nations League matches against Italy and Germany, with Chelsea’s Reece James and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker capped ahead of him.
And Southgate have confirmed Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier is next in line, ahead of Alexander-Arnold, as he is a more complete player.
Southgate said: “The other night we didn’t need left back cover. Against Germany we did it because of the way we went with the team so we needed Chilly [Ben Chilwell] on the bench and we had Kieran who at the moment I feel his full game is ahead [of Alexander-Arnold].”
Former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor suggested the comments should be seen as an “insult” to Alexander-Arnold and urged him to question his international future under Southgate.
“If I were Trent, I would retire from my international duties if I wasn’t in the World Cup squad,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
“I would retire until a new manager takes over England. 100 per cent.
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Trippier’s full game ahead of Alexander-Arnold’s, says Southgate
“What’s the point of getting away from these international breaks? You can stay with your club, rest and prepare for Liverpool.
“For Southgate to come out and say Trippier is better overall than Trent, I think that’s an insult.
“I like Trippier but Trent is a better player in every way. Walker and James are better than Trent, but don’t say Trippier.
“Come on. The joke is over, Gareth.
“It would surprise me if he retired, but we’ve seen players retire before because they weren’t playing for England.”
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Alexander-Arnold did not play a single minute during the last international break
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James is England’s first choice at right-back
However, Liverpool legend John Barnes has pushed back against that argument and insists Alexander-Arnold can still play a vital role for England at the World Cup.
“I don’t think you should retire,” Barnes told talkSPORT.
“When you start with the England team and you are over 20, only 11 will start.
“If the other players were all saying, ‘I’m not going because I’m not going to play’, that means only 11 would go.
“I think Trent is very valuable, depending on who you play against. He is a very creative and attacking right-back.
“When you play against teams you should beat, Trent is your man, if you want to create and score goals.
“So maybe if you’re playing Brazil or France, you’re playing someone else.
“He should be in the team.”
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