Rio Ferdinand, a former player for Manchester United, thinks it would be challenging for Trent Alexander-Arnold, a defender for Liverpool, to start for England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

In Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League victory over Ajax, Alexander-Arnold committed yet another defensive blunder for Liverpool, according to Ferdinand.

The Mohamed Salah goal at Anfield was cancelled out by Mohammed Kudus after the England international failed to follow Steven Berghuis' run and cut-back.

Jurgen Klopp’s men went on to spare Alexander-Arnold’s blushes by winning the Champions League Group A match thanks to Joel Matip’s 89-minute header.

Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: “Is Jurgen Klopp saying to him ‘you’re in this team to create chances?’ Is he treating him like he’s a No 10 in this team at right-back?

“The game in the right-back position has changed so much. The likes of [Joao] Cancelo and Reece James are dictating games and getting more touches than anyone in the game.

Is he telling him, “the guys behind you, they’re responsible for defensive situations, and you go out there and play off the cuff” without the noose around your neck to be responsible defensively?

“I think it will be difficult for Trent to start for England, with the way Gareth has set his team up in recent months and time gone by.

“Jurgen Klopp is not looking at his weakest attributes. He is saying, ‘what are his best attributes and how can I get him out there producing the best parts of his game and amplify the positives?’”