England ace ‘better than everyone’ in his position and needs to play at World Cup, thinks pundit

Jamie Carragher feels Kieran Trippier is better than “every” other right-back in England’s World Cup squad as an “all-round” player.

England’s long-awaited World Cup squad threw out some surprises. Indeed, the inclusions of James Maddison and Conor Gallager might not have been expected.

Kalvin Phillips, having started just one game all season, was also a slightly unexpected pick.

One of the most talked about areas in the squad ahead of its release was the right-back position. Recent injuries to both Reece James and Kyle Walker could have kept them out.

However, the latter was included, despite his injury having kept him out since the first week in October and the former was not.

Along with Walker, two more right-backs were included in Garteh Southgate’s squad: Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Whether or not Alexander-Arnold would make it was a big talking point.

Former England right-back Gary Neville admitted he does not feel Southgate would “trust” him in a knockout game.

Whether or not the manager does trust the Liverpool man during the tournament remains to be seen.

Carragher backs Trippier over Alexander-Arnold

The three right-backs in the squad offer England something different. Out of Trippier and Alexander-Arnold, Carragher feels it’s the Newcastle man who has had the better time in international football.

“He’s a very good Premier League player, steady player,” he said on LADbible TV.

“He’s done better in an English shirt, I would say, than Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“I know he scored last season, this season, set a few up, assists-wise, crosses, he’s a better defender.”

Carragher backs Trippier to have the biggest impact, given how well rounded he is.

“I think as an all-round package what you’re looking for, I think Tripper’s better than every one of them,” he added.

Carragher admits ‘special’ Alexander-Arnold talents

While he feels Trippier is the best right-back, Carragher admitted some traits Alexander-Arnold has could stand him in good stead.

“But I think in terms of doing something a little bit special, a little bit different against opposition who are gonna be deep and negative, I think the player you’d have to pick up is Trent,” he said.

Indeed, Alexander-Arnold’s creative talents are clear to see. England will be the overwhelming favourites to win their group, playing against Iran, United States and Wales.

As such, the Liverpool defender could thrive in those games. However, it would be more than likely for Southgate to pick one man and stick with him throughout the tournament.

With the question marks over Alexander-Arnold’s defensive abilities, it may well be that he is not that man.

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