Pep Guardiola has already lauded the attributes of Trent Alexander-Arnold as the Manchester City boss is reportedly in the frame to become the next England manager.
According to The Times , the FA approached Guardiola at the start of the season following Gareth Southgate’s decision to step down following defeat in the Euro 2024 final. The contact is said to have been informal, although the Spaniard is claimed to be the preferred option for the role.
What’s more, Guardiola has admitted he could be convinced to take the job, although he denied that any decision has been made yet. As things stand, his contract at City is set to expire in the summer.
Asked whether he had accepted the England job, Guardiola told Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa: "It's not true. I'm Manchester City manager. I've not decided anything, everything can happen. So I don't know. I still need to reflect and decide what I want to do."
Should Guardiola become the next England manager, it could hold Liverpool’s vice-captain in good stead. Alexander-Arnold didn’t have the best of times under Southgate as he was consistently overlooked, but he has been thriving under interim boss Lee Carsley, winning the man of the match award in three of his four games in charge .
There are indications that Alexander-Arnold could continue to be favored under Guardiola as well. The City boss has spoken glowingly of the 26-year-old in the past, praising his abilities on the ball.
Speaking ahead of a meeting with the Reds back in 2022, Guardiola said: “Four, five years ago they were more direct, not too much between the lines. Now they have a good build-up with Alisson, Matip, Thiago drops. Threats in behind, Alexander-Arnold is like an exhibition, deep runners in behind.
“Set pieces, every corner is a threat. The taker is good and the movement, of course.”
There has been some tension between the two though. Earlier this year, Alexander-Arnold caused a stir when he claimed in an interview with FourFourTwo that trophies meant more to Liverpool than City due to the two clubs’ financial capabilities.
Asked for his thoughts on Alexander-Arnold’s comments ahead of the two sides’ meeting at Anfield in March – which the Liverpool vice-captain missed through injury – Guardiola remained tight-lipped: “I wish him a speedy recovery and come back to the pitch as soon as possible.”
Pushed further for a response, Guardiola added: "I would answer but, why? Honestly. It is what it is."
Liverpool.com says: Guardiola taking the England job would be wild. It’s hard to imagine him taking over the Three Lions, although you would hope that he would have enough sense to see Alexander-Arnold’s obvious talents – no matter what Roy Keane says – and make sure he finds a place for him in his side.
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