Jurgen Klopp hits back at Gary Neville over Trent Alexander-Arnold claim

Trent Alexander-Arnold was named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad on Thursday (Picture: Getty)

Jurgen Klopp has hit back at Gary Neville over comments he made about Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold was included in Gareth Southgate’s squad on Thursday as the England boss named his 26 players for this month’s World Cup in Qatar.

The 24-year-old right-back has helped Klopp’s side win the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup in recent years.

But while he has impressed with his attacking skills, Alexander-Arnold has faced some criticism over his defensive capabilities.

Neville warned that Alexander-Arnold could cost England at the World Cup as he told Sky Sports: ‘His brilliance going forward is out of this world.

‘But we’re talking about knockout football. Whether England win or lose in a World Cup is going to be down to moments.

‘A mistake – concentration. In this moment in time, I can’t see how Gareth can go into a knockout game in a World Cup playing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

‘I want this player to be the greatest right-back of all time because he’s got the ability to do that.

‘But at times at Tottenham, he looked like he could cost Liverpool dearly. In a World Cup, I think he’s giving away a penalty [for his challenge on Sessegnon].

‘I don’t think Gareth will trust him in a knockout game.’

Trent Alexander-Arnold has knocked up 17 caps for England so far (Picture: Getty)

Klopp faced the media on Friday ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Southampton and hit back at the former Manchester United defender.

‘I heard Gary Neville said something [about Trent],’ Klopp said.

‘But he’s now 24 and won quite a few finals, important games where you have to defend against world class players.

‘He was always there, defending well. I don’t know why we have this discussion.’

Speaking about Alexander-Arnold’s inclusion in Southgate’s World Cup squad, Klopp added: ‘I think with Hendo it was clear [he would be picked] and with Trent it is nice.

‘He was very pleased about the news. Who will win the World Cup? No idea.’

MORE : Jamie Carragher sends message to Gareth Southgate over starting Trent Alexander-Arnold

MORE : Wayne Rooney names Trent Alexander-Arnold in England XI for World Cup opener vs Iran

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‘He was always there, defending well…’