Micah Richards explains why he’s not completely surprised by Trent Alexander-Arnold snub

Micah Richards says he is not surprised by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s England axe – and fears the Liverpool star will miss this summer’s Euro 2020 finals.

Alexander-Arnold’s omission was the biggest shock as Gareth Southgate named his squad for upcoming friendlies against San Marino, Albania and Poland.

The 22-year-old’s performances dipped earlier in the season, although he has since showed signs of returning to form.

But he missed out on a place in the Three Lions’ 26-man squad, with Chelsea youngster Reece James, Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier of Atletico Madrid all selected ahead of him.

Richards says he is not surprised by Alexander-Arnold’s England snub as he feels Southgate doesn’t have faith in the Liverpool right-back.

Richards said “I was initially shocked when I didn’t see Alexander-Arnold’s name on the list,”.

“Part of me, though, wasn’t totally surprised as it felt for some time that Southgate isn’t quite sure about him.”

Richards was himself an attack-minded right-back during his playing days with Man City, Fiorentina and Aston Villa.

And he hailed Alexander-Arnold as “one of the best in the business”.

But he fears his omission from the England squad could spell the end for his hopes of representing his country this summer.

“I’ve said on many occasions that I’m a big admirer of Southgate,” said Richards. “He’s been brilliant for England, he’s an approachable and fair man.

“However, I believe Trent is one of the best attacking right backs in the business and would be in my squad every time.

“What it says to me is that there is an issue of trust. Southgate can’t have faith in Alexander-Arnold to do what he wants him to do and, if that is the case, then I find it hard to see how the young Liverpool star plays at the Euros.”