"He has everything" - Cafu can't understand why Trent Alexander-Arnold doesn't start for England

Brazil legend can't understand why Trent Alexander-Arnold doesn't isn't starting for England at the World Cup, with the World Cup winner claiming his fellow full back has 'everything.'

There were many things that baffled fans about England's performance vs USA, in the two sides second group game in Qatar last week.

Having put on an excellent attacking display vs Iran in their opener, Gareth Southgate's side just couldn't get it going at all and the USMNT came closest to breaking the deadlock.

Whilst Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford came off the bench to show a slight improvement, fans were desperately calling for the introduction of Phil Foden.

The manager claimed that Foden hasn't played centrally much so it wouldn't have been a good idea to bring him on for the struggling Mason Mount.

Alexander-Arnold was the other player fans wanted to see introduced, with Gary Neville calling for the Liverpool full back to be brought on.

The defender wasn't even guaranteed to be in Qatar, due to Southgate's reluctance to use him, but Reece James injury cemented his place in the squad.

Now Cafu has explained why he can't believe that Alexander-Arnold doesn't start for the Three Lions, and Brazilian knows something about playing in the position.

"I don't understand why [Alexander-Arnold doesn't star]," Cafu told Gazzetta, "He has everything: quality, dribbling, pace, but it's always the same story, they say you are not defensive enough and you remain out.

"Somebody used to say the same about Roberto Carlos and me, but I think we won something. Unfortunately, full-backs are too robotic these days, they get the ball, pass it, and run, I don't see movements without the ball and no one-two passes."

Alexander-Arnold alongside other unused squad members Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White. Image: Alamy

The 52-year-old, former AC Milan star, won two World Cups with Brazil, in 1994 and 2002, as well as reaching the 1998 final with his national team.

He is considered by many as one of the best full backs of all time, and certainly the Godfather of modern full backs who go forward.

Neville has even compared Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool teammate Andrew Robertson to Cafu and his legendary left back partner Roberto Carlos.

"You're mentioning them in the same breath as probably the two greatest full-backs I've ever seen, Roberto Carlos and Cafu," the former Manchester United defender said previously.

"For so many years they were the shining example. They transformed full-back play."

Robertson and Alexander-Arnold, the modern Carlos and Cafu. Image: Alamy

Carlos himself has heaped praise on Alexander-Arnold, claiming only the full back and Harry Kane would get in the current Brazil side.

The World Cup favourites have already qualified for the next round of the tournament, after winning their first two games, but their full backs continue to be a bit of a worry.

England face Wales on Tuesday in their final group game, with Southgate expected to ring the changes, however amongst those isn't thought to be Alexander-Arnold.