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.
This story is from the September 27, 2022 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
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This story is from the September 27, 2022 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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