Gareth Southgate indicates Kieran Trippier is above Trent Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order

England boss Gareth Southgate has delivered another blow to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s World Cup hopes after indicating Kieran Trippier is ahead of him in the pecking order.

Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold was left out of the squad to face Germany on Monday night, casting doubt over his place in Southgate’s plans ahead of Qatar.

Alexander-Arnold was one of 12 players from the squad of 28 not to play a single minute of football during England’s recent internationals.

The Liverpool defender’s World Cup hopes appear to be hanging in the balance

Despite his undoubted talent, Alexander-Arnold has been a peripheral figure under Southgate – a stance that has been one of the most contentious of the head coach’s reign.

And the Three Lions boss now says that Newcastle full-back Trippier, who can play on either flank, is currently ahead of Alexander Arnold in his thoughts.

Southgate said: ‘Against Germany we selected the squad because of the way we went with the team so we needed [Ben] Chilwell on the bench and we had Kieran who, at the moment, I feel his all round game is ahead (of Trent).’ 

Gareth Southgate has hinted Kieran Trippier is above Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino was at Wembley to watch Monday’s clash.

The former Tottenham boss is currently spending his time between London and Spain following his departure from PSG earlier this summer.

And Pochettino, together with his No 2 Jesus Perez took in the 3-3 draw on Monday night.

Pochettino could emerge as a candidate for the England job should Southgate leave after the World Cup.