World Cup 2018: England squad still sweating over places despite ‘team leak’, insists Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool teenager claims 'positions are up for grabs' against Panama - even though assistant boss Steve Holland accidentally flashed team notes with the likely line-up
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD insists England’s players are still sweating on their World Cup places - even though pictures have emerged of the likely team.
Assistant boss Steve Holland accidentally flashed team notes during training today which stated both Marcus Rashford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will start Sunday’s second group clash with Panama.
Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold said: “We have not been directly told who is starting and who is not. The positions are up for grabs.
“Until the manager names the team it does not matter what comes out - until it comes out the manager’s mouth. They are the only words that matter.”
Alexander-Arnold revealed how manager Gareth Southgate made the team laugh last night when he arrived for a team meeting in a sling - and then told the squad he had dislocated his shoulder while running.
Southgate took training using heavy strapping and is now hoping to avoid using a sling over the next few days.
Alexander-Arnold said: “He broke the news to us yesterday when he had his arm in a sling.
“He joked about it in the funniest way possible and he said he hopes no-one else has an afternoon like he did with the injury he has got. He tried to put a smile on everyone’s face.”
Alexander-Arnold is loving his experience with the England team having been a surprise call-up.
He added: “My friends at home are still shocked.”
The Three Lions saw off Tunisia 2-1 in their opener thanks to skipper Harry Kane's double.
WE'RE RON THE BALL All the latest action, news, goals and gossip from the World Cup
LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS
Now they face rank outsiders Panama who lost 3-0 to Belgium but reportedly have no injury problems.
Loftus-Cheek is poised to replace thigh-injury victim Dele Alli in midfield.
And Rashford has been pencilled in for Raheem Sterling up front.
