Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals England joy and how he handles national team omissions

Trent Alexander-Arnold says "words don't really describe" how it feels to play for England, while he also believes that he would have played a much bigger part for the national team in a different era. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold has often been a divisive figure at international level, with his defensive deficiencies - which are often overplayed - having seen him omitted from a number of England squads over the years.

The Liverpool right-back has often been overlooked by Gareth Southgate, while even his recent inclusions in the England squad have seen him play as a central midfielder.

However, the 25-year-old has still earned 23 caps for his country, and the defender has revealed the unbridled joy of playing for the Three Lions.

"When I was younger, I dreamt of being able to play for my country, to win trophies for my country, to be part of England teams that win titles," Alexander-Arnold told FourFourTwo.

"I've still got those ambitions, and every time I'm able to wear the shirt, words don't really describe it."

Things haven't always been straightforward for Alexander-Arnold, however, especially given that England are blessed with some fantastic right-back options, including the likes of Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier.

Despite the frustration of not always starting for his country, Liverpool's No.66 tries to stay positive even when he's not playing.

"No matter what, no matter how the news is presented to you, it's always disappointing when you're told you're not in the squad or you're not in the team," he added.

"But I'm someone who's very rational around those kinds of things. I know how difficult it must be. You've got so many options, so many decisions to make, and I''ll never hold it against a manager for making that decision.

"Every player thinks they should start. It's natural. You think 'I can win games and I can help the team'. You believe you're good enough and you need that belief. So no matter what, no matter who you pick, you're always making the wrong decision - it's a lose-lose situation.

"I think a lot of it comes down to timing. In a different era and different generation, I'd have played much more for my country. However, I'm a firm believer in my own ability, what I bring to a team and what I can do on a football pitch.

"I still believe I've got a big role to play with England, to go and help the team win silverware - whether I play every minute of a tournament or I play no minutes at all in a tournament.

"I fully understand that decisions have to be made and I'll never throw my toys out the pram. I feel like I've enjoyed the good side of it at club level, as someone who knows he's going to play most games, and I've got that trust in the manager.

"I'm fortunate enough to not have to think about that too much at Liverpool and just go and perform."

Alexander-Arnold may very well miss out on the March international break as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, with Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders admitting that the right-back likely won't feature until the end of the month.

However, given his dazzling performances this season in both defence and midfield, Alexander-Arnold is a shoo-in to make the squad for Euro 2024 this summer.