Kostas Tsimikas shows allegiance to Trent Alexander-Arnold as Kyle Walker debate reignited

Kostas Tsimikas has praised his Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of England's Nations League clash with Greece on Thursday, stating that his "numbers speak for themselves".

Lee Carsley, the interim England manager, has reinstated the 26-year-old to his usual right-back position in his two games at the helm so far.

Under Gareth Southgate's management, Alexander-Arnold was often utilized in a variety of midfield roles, including as a defensive midfielder during Euro 2024, and there were instances when he was omitted from the squad entirely, with Southgate typically favoring Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier at right-back.

Walker is back in the squad this time around but Tsimikas believes that if Carsley selects his Anfield team-mate in defense for a third consecutive match at Wembley, it will be a well-deserved recognition after years of fluctuating international involvement.

"For sure it was really hard for him," he said. "Trent is the kind of guy who wants to play. I'm really happy for him the last couple of games. He plays and always delivers. The numbers in Liverpool speak for themselves. For my opinion, he knows my opinion, for me he is the No1."

Tsimikas, who has clocked up over 50 Premier League appearances since transferring from Olympiacos in 2020, will be facing familiar opponents as Greece aim to maintain their lead over England at the top of the group.

The 28-year-old, fresh from victories against Finland and the Republic of Ireland in the competition, is well aware that facing the Euro 2024 runners-up is a different challenge altogether.

"Of course, everybody knows England has the best talent in the world," he remarked. "I played against many of them for Liverpool so I know them quite well. We have to give absolutely everything to be 2000 per cent ready and focused."

"Cole Palmer is personally one of the players I like the most. Always he delivers. He played very, very good in Chelsea. If he plays we have to be spot on from minute one."