"Gareth Southgate was right to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold"

Former Leicester City captain Matt Elliott believes England manager Gareth Southgate was right to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold from his squad for the opening three World Cup qualifiers.

Elliott, who also backed Alexander-Arnold to be spurred on by the axe, was a guest on this week's Racing Post show Different League in association with Betfred and said: "I think it was right to omit from the squad.

"Alexander-Arnold is a world-class talent but he has not been applying himself right and has been off his game.

"I have noticed it a few times Liverpool recently where he seems to have lost his edge. He has been sloppy and it has been too easy for opponents to get at him with his slack positioning.

"Southgate will not have taken this decision lightly but I am sure there is an element of him looking to get a reaction. If Trent is switched on he will start at the Euros because he is the most naturally gifted of all the options but he needs to be focused."

Elliott also gave us the inside track on Leicester's excellent Premier League season and was on hand to deliver his verdict for a number of internationals this weekend involving England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The ex-Scotland man also talked us through his one and only international goal - against the mighty San Marino - all of which can be seen on the video above.

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport