Cafu has slammed Gareth Southgate’s decision to not play Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Liverpool defender expected to once again be omitted from the England line-up that will face Wales.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport about the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Brazilian legend was critical of the England manager’s decision to not start Alexander-Arnold at all in the competition, with the Liverpool star likely to start on the bench against Wales with Kyle Walker set to return to the line-up.
Southgate’s treatment of Alexander-Arnold has been controversial, to say the least, with many considering the right-back to be not only England’s best player in the position but arguably the best in the world in the role. However, the 24-year-old has not been considered at all during this competition.
Whilst the defender’s performances have been below par this season for Liverpool, many would consider Alexander-Arnold good enough to start for England at the World Cup, especially against a nation like Wales where the Three Lions will likely dominate possession and face few attacking threats.
And Cafu has been vocal on Southgate’s decisions over Alexander-Arnold this World Cup, with the Brazilian legend more than critical over how the Liverpool star has been treated over the last few weeks with the England national team.
Cafu said over Alexander-Arnold’s lack of minutes for England: “I don’t understand why. He has everything: quality, dribbling, pace, but it’s always the same story, they say you are not defensive enough and you remain out. Somebody used to say the same about Roberto Carlos and me, but I think we won something.”
Alexander-Arnold deserves spot in England line-up that will face Wales
Alexander-Arnold’s defensive performances for Liverpool this season have been mixed, to say the least. However, there’s no denying that the 24-year-old deserves a chance to start a World Cup match for England, especially against Wales, where the fullback’s creative qualities will be greatly needed.
Indeed, after drawing to the USA, England need a big win to get fans back on their side to believe that they can go all the way and win the World Cup. Yet decisions such as leaving out Alexander-Arnold will do little to improve the overall mood around supporters.