If TAA can't make it into a squad of 23... England must be very, very good

YOU can debate the merits of his defending forever, you can argue his skill set is particularly suited to his club's style of play, you can highlight the intense competition for places in his favoured position.

- ANDY DUNN

But one thing is beyond question, one thing is indisputable.

If Trent Alexander-Arnold cannot make it into a squad of 23 footballers, it must be one hell of a squad. Simple as that.

Yet for this blue-chip fixture - and, regardless of its Nations League irrelevance to England, Germany at home is a blue-chip fixture - Gareth Southgate deemed Alexander-Arnold to be of no use to him.

"We've got a big squad with us and we've got four right-backs with super quality and Kieran Trippier is playing exceptionally well and Reece James has been one of the outstanding players in the league this season," said Southgate ahead of this match.

"Trent is a very good footballer and that's why we've picked him in the squad."

And there you have it. This was not just a simple selection issue, this was a statement from the manager.