Categories: World Soccer

Alexander-Arnold learned of World Cup call-up from Klopp

Trent Alexander-Arnold discovered he had been called up to England’s World Cup squad when Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp broke the news as they prepared to board a plane to Spain.

Alexander-Arnold, uncapped by England’s senior side, was a surprise inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s group for the forthcoming tournament in Russia.

The 19-year-old caught Southgate’s eye after impressing at right-back for Liverpool this season and is expected to start their Champions League final meeting with Real Madrid next weekend.

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Alexander-Arnold revealed Klopp told him of his inclusion just before the Reds set off for their pre-Champions League final training camp in Spain.

“I’m honoured, excited and feeling really proud,” he told Liverpool’s website.

“It was an unbelievable moment to find out I was going to go to the World Cup, especially at a young age. It’s probably capped off a really good season for me.

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“I found out this morning, just before we came out to Marbella. The manager came and spoke to me just as we were getting on the plane.

“He asked me if I knew anything about the squad or anything yet. I said, ‘no’ and he said, ‘Have you got anything planned around the time of the World Cup?’. I was like, ‘No, no holidays or anything’.

“He said to me, ‘OK, good. You’re in the squad!’. It was a really proud moment. On England’s behalf, it was nice of them to let the manager tell me.”

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By Agence France Presse