Trent Alexander-Arnold has given an honest verdict on rumours linking former boss Jurgen Klopp to the vacant England job, after Gareth Southgate announced his plans to step down as manager.
Southgate’s decision to resign came just days after the end of the European Championships – where England missed out on the chance to win silverware after facing a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the tournament final.
The list of potential candidates to replace the former Three Lions boss is already extensive, with Liverpool legend Klopp filling a spot on the shortlist.
However, Reds defender Alexander-Arnold believes it would come as a ‘huge surprise’ if Klopp was to take the England job – after recently choosing to end his nine-year reign at Anfield.
“I enjoyed every moment I worked with him,” Alexander-Arnold told the Mirror. “We shared amazing memories, forged an amazing relationship, an amazing bond.
“So of course, if that were to happen, we would pick up where we left off. I would be surprised if he did take it. It was clear when he announced when he was leaving, the conversations I have had with him, everything on social media, he seems to be enjoying his time off, so it would be a huge surprise.”
While Klopp might not lead England to victory at the next international tournament, the German has accepted a new role with his former club – becoming the LFC Foundation’s first honorary ambassador.
The FA confirmed they would search for Southgate’s successor immediately, in a bid to find the right man for the job ahead of the 2026 World Cup.