Trent Alexander-Arnold has been omitted from the latest England squad.
Alexander-Arnold was a notable absentee from the national side’s 23-man squad announced on Thursday for their upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The defender, 22, is one of only two Liverpool players currently available for selection with Jordan Henderson and Joe Gomez both sidelined by injury.
But Gareth Southgate instead chose to call up Kieran Trippier, Reece James and Kyle Walker as his full-backs to face San Marino, Albania and Poland.
Explaining the decision not to include Alexander-Arnold, the England coach admitted it was driven by a downturn in his personal form during this season.
“I don’t think that Trent has played at the level that he found in the last couple of years but he’s getting very close to that now,” said Southgate.
“In the last couple of weeks, he’s definitely taken steps in the right direction.
“It’s simply that we think Reece James and Kieran Trippier have had exceptional seasons with their clubs. Kyle Walker is in great form, too.”