Alexander-Arnold gets England World Cup call

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been included in England’s squad for the World Cup as Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere were the big-name casualties of Gareth Southgate’s youth revolution.

The England manager confirmed on Wednesday that, as widely anticipated, he had omitted both on-loan West Ham goalkeeper Hart and Arsenal midfielder Wilshere were not in his squad for the World Cup in Russia.

Hart is 31 and has played 75 times for England. Injury-prone Wilshere is 26 and has 34 England caps.

But 19-year-old Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold will be on the flight to Russia as Southgate has opted for a youthful selection in what he hopes will prove a bold new era for the under-achieving national team.

“With Joe, we’ve got three other goalkeepers who have had very good seasons and the decision I was faced with was do I keep Joe in and have experience around the group. Or give the three guys who have basically had a better season a chance?” Southgate said.

The 23 players averages just 19 caps, making them England’s least experienced World Cup squad since 1962.

The selection of Alexander-Arnold, comes after some fine performances in Liverpool’s run to the Champions League final.

“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 said. (AFP)