Football
ESPN staff 6y

Trent Alexander-Arnold ready to play for England at World Cup - Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp has said Liverpool full-back is Trent Alexander-Arnold is ready to play for England at the World Cup, should he be selected to the squad.

Alexander-Arnold has been in good form this season, making 27 appearances for Liverpool, and Klopp believes there may be a place for the 19-year-old in Russia this summer.

"Of course I would prefer [rest] but I am not the person who wants to say to Gareth Southgate, 'Don't take him,'" Klopp said.

"Trent is obviously in a good moment. England have one or two issues but the right-back is not a real issue. They have [Kyle] Walker and [Kieran] Trippier. If Walker is used in a back three, there is only Trippier so maybe they need another solution.

"That is Gareth's decision and either Trent will have a break or he will have a wonderful experience at a very young age. You can see positives in both those things.

"Is he ready? Yes, I think he is ready for a lot of things. He is not finished in his development and a lot will come which is really good news. But with regard to the World Cup, somebody has to make that decision and thank God it is not me."

Alexander-Arnold only made his debut in the first team 18 months ago, and Klopp said he was pleased with how the teenager has adapted to playing at the top level on a consistent basis.

"I don't set limits for the boys. Trent is an outstanding talent and it was clear from the first second when we saw him," he said. "But from there it is about dealing with all the little setbacks. If you are good in training but you don't play that is new for a young player because usually he plays.

"You have to improve the little things and really stay on track. Getting used to the physical demands of the league is the biggest difference.

"Little mistakes in youth [football], you can sort with speed or the quality of your opponent cannot use it. But in the Premier League you make a bad decision or a big mistake it is a big chance for the opponent.

"He's right in saying there have been a lot of ups and downs -- training better days, not that good days -- that is completely normal. Credit to him but our life is not about thinking about what you did so far, it is always thinking about what you can do in the next game."

Klopp also said he won't make a decision on Daniel Sturridge's future with the club until after the striker completes his loan at West Brom this season.

"We will see. It is nothing that I have thought about so far," Klopp said. "We don't have to make these judgements yet. There will be a pre-season next year and he is still contracted here so we will see."

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