Liverpool star among those snubbed by Southgate for England’s match with Germany

England face old rivals Germany on Monday, needing a win to avoid finishing the Nations League campaign without a single victory. 

Gareth Southgate’s side recorded their third defeat of the competition on Friday, losing 1-0 to Italy in Milan, and they have already been relegated from League A Group 3 having picked up just two points from five matches.

Southgate has been heavily criticised for his defensive approach of late, as The Three Lions are currently one of only two sides – the other being San Marino – who are yet to score a single goal from open play during the campaign.

England do have the opportunity to restore some pride on Monday at Wembley, but Southgate has already surprised many with his squad selection.

The former Middlesbrough manager named a 28-man squad for the two fixtures last week, despite rules stating that a matchday squad must consist of no more than 23 players.

Therefore, five players missed out on Friday, including Ivan Toney just days after his first international call up, and now Southgate has omitted Trent Alexander-Arnold from the squad to face the Germans.

The Liverpool full-back was an unused substitute in Italy last time out, with Reece James preferred, and he will now return to his club side having failed to play a single minute during the international break.

Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse have both been excluded from the squad

The defender has been criticised for his performances in the early weeks of the season, but is still regarded by most as one of the world’s best in his position.

Along with Alexander-Arnold, Fikayo Tomori, James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen also miss out, while Jack Grealish is suspended.

The news has sparked debate over Southgate’s future, with may questioning whether or not he is the correct man to optimise the abundance of attacking talent that he has available to him.

Alexander-Arnold, 23, has amassed 17 senior caps for England since making his debut four years ago, but made just one appearance at the last World Cup and missed out on Euro 2020 due to a hamstring injury.

Former Chelsea man Tomori is another player that will feel unfortunate to have missed out, with the centre-back having established himself as a regular starter at club side AC Milan.

The ex-Derby County loanee has only played three games for England despite his superb club form.

Toney, meanwhile, is included in the matchday squad and could be in line to make his England debut on Monday.

The Brentford striker looks likely to travel to the World Cup in Qatar as cover for Harry Kane, and he will further his chances of doing so if he can impress against Germany.

England v Germany kicks off at 19.45.