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Trent Alexander-Arnold has received a harsh World Cup verdict from former England international Stuart Pearce. The ex-Liverpool full-back has suffered a torrid opening few months at Real Madrid, with fitness problems limiting him to just 11 outings.

Those physical setbacks and the displays of teammates have resulted in Alexander-Arnold being omitted from all three England squads this season. His prospects of appearing in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad now seem to be fading, with Pearce delivering a stark assessment of why he's unlikely to be heading to the United States this summer.

He told Betway: "No I don't [see him making it into to the squad], if truth be known. I'm not sure the manager's a big lover of him, personally. I think Reece James is a favourite of his and I think he's got other options that he prefers. I don't think he's getting enough football at the moment in Madrid to actually really stake a strong claim."

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Alongside James, who previously worked under Tuchel at Chelsea, the German has turned to Djed Spence for that position, with centre-halves Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa also being utilised in that area. Alexander-Arnold's pressing concern will be regaining fitness and securing his place in the Real side once more.

Federico Valverde has been positioned at right-back in recent matches with the 27-year-old having been sidelined since early December, though new manager Alvaro Arbeloa has no intention of using the former there in the near future. Despite this, Spanish publication El Nacionalhave reported the two have met with Alexander-Arnold told he is not part of the club's future vision and that he ought to seek a new club this summer.

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Conflicting reports from England subsequently emerged, suggesting that this isn't accurate and that Alexander-Arnold is expected to remain at the club for the 2026/27 season and afterwards. A departure in the near future can't be dismissed though and a return to his boyhood club might be possible, although that does appear improbable even following his remarks upon his exit.

He told Liverpool's website: "There's no doubt about it, I'll be back. I'd love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that's where I've played, and to show them all the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together."

In a message to supporters earlier this year, he added: "Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I've always felt, thank you for always having my back.

"I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I'm leaving as player, I'll always be a Liverpool fan."

Alexander-Arnold has already made his way back to Anfield this season with Real being paired with his former club in the Champions League. He had been sidelined for the preceding few weeks through injury, but was included in the matchday squad and was given a chilly welcome whilst warming up and when he came on for the closing 10 minutes.

The pair could face each other once more in Europe later this campaign with both sides having virtually secured top-eight positions in the league table.

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