Southgate drops Alexander-Arnold for England's WC qualifiers

Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss out on England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers after manager Gareth Southgate omitted the Liverpool star for matches against San Marino, Albania, and Poland.

"I don't think he's played at the level he's been at during the last few years. He's a big talent and I'm sure he will play a big role for England in the future," Southgate said after unveiling his 26-man squad Thursday, according to The Athletic's James Pearce.

Alexander-Arnold, 22, has three months to convince Southgate he's worthy of a place in the squad ahead of this summer's European Championship.

Meanwhile, forward Ollie Watkins was rewarded for his successful campaign at Aston Villa with his first call-up to the senior team. He leads Villa with 10 Premier League goals this season.

West Bromwich Albion 'keeper Sam Johnstone also received his first call-up.

Southgate recalled Jesse Lingard, Luke Shaw, and John Stones. Stones and Lingard have not played for the national team since 2019, while Shaw has been out since September 2018.

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Defenders: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolverhampton), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jesse Lingard (West Ham, on loan from Manchester United), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)