When the phone call comes, it’s difficult to process your emotions. First comes shock. After that, you are upset. Then anger arrives before, finally, embarrassment stings.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will have gone through all that on Thursday morning after his conversation with Gareth Southgate. I know because I’ve been there. People who say playing for England doesn’t matter should put themselves in a footballer’s shoes when he is not picked for a squad.
I was initially shocked when I didn’t see Alexander-Arnold’s name on the list for the forthcoming games against San Marino, Albania and Poland.