TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has not always enjoyed an easy relationship with the England team.
But here was the ultimate proof that the Liverpool defender must remain at right-back right through to the next World Cup.
Kyle Walker did not make Lee Carsley‘s squad due to the fact he has not played for Manchester City this season while he suffered a poor Euros.
At the last few major tournaments, he has been caught out in big matches.
So even if Walker does return to the squad, he needs to remain on the bench as Alexander-Arnold – who won only his 30th cap here in Dublin – is better suited to Carsley’s more flexible, attacking style.
Alexander-Arnold set up an early chance for Harry Kane who should have scored.
And the defender then cut apart the Irish defence with a sublime pass through the home defence for Anthony Gordon to run onto.
While Gordon should have scored, Declan Rice smashed the ball into the net a few seconds later for the opening goal.
As he does with Liverpool, with his team in possession, Alexander-Arnold was given licence to cut inside and play in a central midfield role where he saw plenty of the ball.
Apart from a couple of stray passes in the second half, this was one of his best games for England.
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And there is no doubt that this spot at right-back is now Alexander-Arnold’s to lose.
Walker has previously tried to retire from international football but says now, he wants to keep on playing.
But he should now prepare himself for a frustrating couple of years.
